It lies at the
very foundation of their sense of justice, and it cannot be trifled with.
It is a great and durable element of popular action, and I think no
statesman can safely disregard it.
Our Senator also objects that those who oppose him in this matter do not
entirely agree with one another. He reminds me that in my firm adherence
to the constitutional rights of the slave States I differ widely from
others who are cooperating with me in opposing the Nebraska Bill, and he
says it is not quite fair to oppose him in this variety of ways. He
should remember that he took us by surprise--astounded us by this
measure. We were thunderstruck and stunned, and we reeled and fell in
utter confusion. But we rose, each fighting, grasping whatever he could
first reach--a scythe, a pitchfork, a chopping-ax, or a butcher's
cleaver. We struck in the direction of the sound, and we were rapidly
closing in upon him. He must not think to divert us from our purpose by
showing us that our drill, our dress, and our weapons are not entirely
perfect and uniform. When the storm shall be past he shall find us still
Americans, no less devoted to the continued union and prosperity of the
country than heretofore.
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