In the first place, I insist that our fathers did not make this nation half slave and half free, or part slave and part free. I insist that they found the institution of slavery existing here. They did not make it so, but they left it so because they knew of no way to get rid of it at that time.
Abraham LincolnOne section of our country believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be extended.
Abraham Lincoln