The South ought to join
in doing this. The peace of the nation is as dear to them as to us. In
memories of the past and hopes of the future, they share as largely as
we. It would be on their part a great act--great in its spirit, and great
in its effect. It would be worth to the nation a hundred years purchase
of peace and prosperity. And what of sacrifice would they make? They only
surrender to us what they gave us for a consideration long, long ago;
what they have not now asked for, struggled or cared for; what has been
thrust upon them, not less to their astonishment than to ours.
But it is said we cannot restore it; that though we elect every member of
the lower House, the Senate is still against us. It is quite true that of
the senators who passed the Nebraska Bill a majority of the whole Senate
will retain their seats in spite of the elections of this and the next
year. But if at these elections their several constituencies shall
clearly express their will against Nebraska, will these senators
disregard their will? Will they neither obey nor make room for those who
will?
But even if we fail to technically restore the compromise, it is still a
great point to carry a popular vote in favor of the restoration.
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