George Boutwell: “One was to extend the franchise to the blacks.”

Here are the assertion of power and the promise of goodness that have attended the origin and movement of every despotism that has risen to curse mankind.

Of all the eminent men that you have sent forth into the service of the State and the country, he must be accounted the chief, when we consider the value of his contribution, historically, and on the side of freedom and civilization.

By the Ordinance of 1787, freedom and full right to self-government were made secure to the coming millions who were to occupy the States northwest of the River Ohio.

They assert supreme authority over their fellow-men for an indefinite period of time, and they promise therewith good government.