Page 10 - Debates on the Slave Trade

the other declaration, that for some men to enslave others is a
‘sacred right of self- government.’ These principles cannot stand
together.” 39
The answer to that question is that nothing can justify such
enslavement of our fellow humans. This is why slavery has be-
come not only an embarrassment to our nation but also a reason
for forced abolition if Southern slaveholders will not voluntarily
give up their slaves. In a recent public speech, Lincoln expressed
quite eloquently why slavery has become so dangerous to the
country. “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he stated.
“I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave
and half free. [Either] it will become all one thing or all the other.
Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it
. . . or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike
lawful in all the States.” 40
A number of people are sure that if Lincoln is elected presi-
dent, he will try to outlaw slavery. That surely will cause trouble.
As Lincoln’s opponent in a recent Senate race, Stephen Doug-
las, said, Lincoln’s and the abo-
litionists’ approach to slavery “is
“I believe this government revolutionary and destructive of

cannot endure, the existence of the government.”
permanently half slave It will almost certainly cause “war-
and half free.” 40 fare between the North and the
South, to be carried on with ruth-
—Political candidate Abraham Lincoln
less venegeance.” Considering
41
that such bloody confl ict could
actually occur in the near future, all Americans should try to pre-
vent it from happening. The most logical way to do that would be
for Southern and Northern leaders to sit down together and fi nd
a way to abolish slavery before that horrible institution tears our
beloved nation asunder.

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