File:Abraham Lincoln; a history (1890) (14762753505).jpg

Identifier: abrahamlincolnhi03nicol (find matches)
Title: Abraham Lincoln; a history
Year: 1890 (1890s)
Authors: Nicolay, John G. (John George), 1832-1901 Hay, John, 1838-1905
Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 United States -- History Civil War, 1861-1865
Publisher: New York : The Century Co.
Contributing Library: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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. . But now thissubject, which is confessedly on all sides outside of theconstitutional action of the Government so far as theStates are concerned, is made the central idea in the plat-form of principles announced by the triumphant party.The leading object seems to be simply, and wantonly, ifyou please, to put the institutions of nearly half theStates under the ban of public opinion and national con-demnation. This, upon general principles, is quiteenough of itself to arouse a spirit not only of general in-dignation, but of revolt on the part of the proscribed. . .We at the South do think African slaverj^, as it existswith us, both morally and politically right. This opinionis founded upon the inferiority of the black race; you,however, and perhaps a majority of the North, think itwrong. Admit the difference of opinion. The same dif-ference of opinion existed to a more general extentamongst those who formed the Constitution when it wasmade and adopted. The changes have been mainly to
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ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS. STEPHENSS SPEECH 273 our side. As parties were not formed on this difference ch. xviiof opinion then, why should they be now? The samedifference would, of course, exist in the supposed case ofreligion. When parties, or combinations of men, there-fore, so form themselves, must it not be assumed to arisenot from reason or any sense of justice, but from fanati-cism ? The motive can spring from no other source, andwhen men come under the influence of fanaticism, thereis no telling where their impulses or passions may drivethem. This is what creates our discontent and apprehen-sion. . . Conciliation and harmony, in my judgment, cannever be established by force. Nor can the Union, underthe Constitution, be maintained by force. The Unionwas formed by the consent of Independent SovereignStates. Ultimate sovereignty still resides with themseparately, which can be resumed, and will be, if theirsafety, tranquillity, and security in their judgment requireit. tinder our syst

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