I know how easy it is for some minds to glide along with the current of popular opinion, where influence, respectability, and all those motives which tend to seduce the human heart are brought to bear.

I am not unconscious of the persuasive power exerted by these considerations to drag men along in the current; but I am not at liberty to travel that road.

As a Senator I am opposed to duelling. As Ben. Wade, I recognize the code.

The humiliation of the North is complete and overwhelming.

I may fall here in the Senate chamber, but I will. never make any compromise with any such men.

Sir, I am no sycophant or worshipper of power anywhere.

Sometimes it leads me even to hesitate whether I am strictly correct in my idea that all men are born to equal rights, for their conduct seems to me to contravene the doctrine.