Our concern, however, is with slavery as it is, and not with any theory of it.
Truth and mercy require the exertion - never the suppression, of man's noble rights and powers.
But as well may you, when urging a man up-hill with a heavy load upon his back, and with your lash also upon his back, tell him, that be has nothing to do either with the load or the lash.
I am a plain man, and I care and know comparatively little about rhetoric.
To no human charter am I indebted for my rights.
I do not object to the construction of rail roads and canals.