The Authors Of All Our Misfortune.

The Authors Of All Our Misfortune.

Sir, It Is True That Republics Have Often Been Cradled In War, But More Often They Have Met With A Grave In That Cradle. Peace Is The Interest, The Policy, The Nature Of A Popular Government. War May Bring Benefits To A Few, But Privation And Loss Are The Lot Of The Many. An Appeal To Arms Should Be The Last Resort, And Only By National Rights Or National Honor Can It Be Justified.

Obstacles May Retard, But They Cannot Long Prevent The Progress Of A Movement Sanctified By Its Justice, And Sustained By A Virtuous People .

A Question Settled By Violence, Or In Disregard Of Law, Must Remain Unsettled Forever.

If Slavery Be A Sin, It Is Not Yours. It Does Not Rest On Your Action For Its Origin, On Your Consent For Its Existence. It Is A Common Law Right To Property In The Service Of Man; Its Origin Was Divine Decree.