When Judge Douglas says that whoever, or whatever community, wants slaves, they have a right to have them, he is perfectly logical if there is nothing wrong in the institution; but if you admit that it is wrong, he cannot logically say that anybody has a right to do wrong.

Capital has its proper place and is entitled to every protection. The wages of men should be recognized in the structure of and in the social order as more important than the wages of money [interest].

I wish to see, in process of disappearing, that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war.

I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country... corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.

Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.

There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war. Except its ending.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.