If slavery, limited as it yet is, now threatens to subvert the Constitution, how can we as wise and prudent statesmen, enlarge its boundaries and increase its influence, and thus increase already impending dangers?
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States - old as well as new - North as well as South.
God knows I detest slavery but it is an existing evil, and we must endure it and give it such protection as is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Slavery can only be abolished by raising the character of the people who compose the nation; and that can be done only by showing them a higher one.
We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time. But if we fail to do this, then unless we intend hereafter to violate the Constitution, we shall have a fugitive slave law in operation whenever the war is over.
The fact that slavery is written into the Constitution is about as entrenched a form of classism as you could possibly imagine.
The power of the ballot we need in sheer defense, else what shall save us from a second slavery?
Our concern, however, is with slavery as it is, and not with any theory of it.
The topic of slavery is like an electric fence. Touch it and people will react.
We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time.
If there is a State, then there is domination, and in turn, there is slavery.