If at that election I received from the people of Massachusetts any special charge, it was to use my best endeavors to secure the repeal of this atrocity.

It is as practical as justice, as practical as humanity, as practical as duty, which cannot be postponed.

But, independently of its intrinsic justice, this measure is recommended by an expediency of the highest character.

Senators are not aware how much our country suffers in the judgment of civilized nations from that accursed statute, which now for more than ten years has been a byword and hissing among men.

Genius in some of its rarest creations has made it known, literature and art in every form have lent themselves to expose it, while the unutterable atrocities it has sanctioned have been carefully gathered together and circulated abroad as…

Since the outbreak of the Rebellion this statute has been constantly adduced by our enemies abroad, as showing that we are no better than Jefferson Davis and his slavemonger crew; for Slavery never shows itself worse than in the…

For the sake of our cause, and that it may have new strength in the swelling sympathies of the civilized world, it should be repealed at once, without hesitation.

At this moment of severe trial, I wish my country to put itself right with that Supreme Power which holds in its hands the destinies of nations.

It is as true in the life of nations as in the life of individuals, that, if you would have equity, you must do equity; but the great equity which we must do is found in justice to an oppressed race.

It is vain that you complain of disaster to your arms, of colored soldiers and their brave officers cruelly treated at Fort Wagner, of colored soldiers and their brave officers massacred at Fort Pillow, if yourselves continue to set the…

The story of the Israelites is revived, and plague after plague is sent, sounding forever the old commandment, “Let my people go.” If the plagues sent already are not enough, another and yet another will visit us.

Then, having done equity, you may fearlessly ask for equity.

Let us strike back wherever we can smite the great offender, and above all let us purify the statute-book, so that there shall be nothing there out of which this terrible wrong can derive support.

I cannot support any bill that recognizes as right and proper any Fugitive Slave Act; and I shall therefore refuse to give it my sanction, if it comes to a vote upon the final passage in its present shape.

Here was the end of all Fugitive Slave Acts, and another blow at Slavery.

The country is now engaged in mortal struggle to establish itself as a nation.

In preparing ourselves for this unparalleled contest, we are compelled to look about in every direction to increase our army, to enlarge our navy, and to multiply our financial resources; but at every stage we are encountered by objections…

No single proposition is brought forward, having for object the salvation of the Republic by infusing new energy and new vitality, which is not encountered in the name of State Rights.

The Rebellion began in State Rights, and all opposition to the measures conceived to crush it is in the name of State Rights.

It is hard that we should be obliged to meet State Rights not only on the battle-field, but also in this Chamber.

Once a traitor, always a traitor, unless where changed by pardon or amnesty.

PRESIDENT,--There is a time for all things; but there are times when certain things are out of place; and this principle is especially applicable to the present debate.

Considering the simplicity of the question, well may we be astonished at much that has been intruded into this debate.

So long as the law exists, there is no difference between the obligations of the Senate and the obligations of the humblest citizen, except, perhaps, that the Senate, which helped to make the law, is bound to set an example of obedience…

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.