There has never been but one question in all civilization-how to keep a few men from saying to many men: You work and earn bread and we will eat it.

No organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every question which may occur in practical administration. .. No foresight can anticipate nor any document of reasonable length contain express provisions for all possible questions.

Now, I confess myself as belonging to that class in the country who contemplate slavery as a moral, social and political evil, having due regard for its actual existence amongst us and the difficulties of getting rid of it in any satisfactory way, and to all the constitutional obligations which have been thrown about it; but, nevertheless, desire a policy that looks to the prevention of it as a wrong, and looks hopefully to the time when as a wrong it may come to an end.

I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it.

Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?

Now, and ever, I shall do all in my power for peace, consistently with the maintenance of government.