As I
desire to present my own connected view of this subject, my remarks will
not be specifically an answer to Judge Douglas; yet, as I proceed, the
main points he has presented will arise, and will receive such respectful
attention as I may be able to give them. I wish further to say that I do
not propose to question the patriotism or to assail the motives of any
man or class of men, but rather to confine myself strictly to the naked
merits of the question. I also wish to be no less than national in all
the positions I may take, and whenever I take ground which others have
thought, or may think, narrow, sectional, and dangerous to the Union, I
hope to give a reason which will appear sufficient, at least to some, why
I think differently.
And as this subject is no other than part and parcel of the larger
general question of domestic slavery, I wish to make and to keep the
distinction between the existing institution and the extension of it so
broad and so clear that no honest man can misunderstand me, and no
dishonest one successfully misrepresent me.
In order to a clear understanding of what the Missouri Compromise is, a
short history of the preceding kindred subjects will perhaps be proper.
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