I speak on due consideration because Britain, France, and Mexico, have abolished slavery, and all other European states are preparing to abolish it as speedily as they can.

We show our sympathy with slavery by emancipating slaves where we cannot reach them, and holding them in bondage where we can set them free.

The United States are a political state, or organized society, whose end is government, for the security, welfare, and happiness of all who live under its protection.

Sir, there is no Christian nation, thus free to choose as we are, which would establish slavery.

It would be contrary to the spirit of the American Government to use force to subjugate the South.

The right to have a slave implies the right in some one to make the slave; that right must be equal and mutual, and this would resolve society into a state of perpetual war.

But I deny that the Constitution recognizes property in man.