But you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
It was one of the compromises of the Constitution that the slave property in the Southern States should be recognized as property throughout the United States.
But I deny that the Constitution recognizes property in man.
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.
Slavery, if it can be legalized at all, can be legalized only by positive legislation. Natural law gives it no aid. Custom imparts to it no legal sanction.
If a jury have not the right to judge between the government and those who disobey its laws, and resist its oppressions, the government is absolute, and the people, legally speaking, are slaves.
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.
The fact that slavery is written into the Constitution is about as entrenched a form of classism as you could possibly imagine.
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.
I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations.
We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time.