But I deny that the Constitution recognizes property in man.
William H. SewardRead
If slavery, limited as it yet is, now threatens to subvert the Constitution, how can we as wise and prudent statesmen, enlarge its boundaries and increase its influence, and thus increase already impending dangers?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the wisdom of expanding something dangerous, like slavery, that already poses a threat to society and governance.
William H. Seward reflects on the dire implications of slavery's existence within the United States, suggesting that allowing its expansion would only exacerbate the threats it poses to the Constitution and the nation as a whole. He challenges the logic of wise statesmen who would consider broadening the reach of such a dangerous institution, indicating a preference for prudence and caution in the face of a clear moral and political hazard.
Themes
SlaveryConstitutionDangerStatesmanshipInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one might quote Seward to emphasize the need to confront injustices that threaten democratic principles.
More from William H. Seward
All quotes βBut you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations.
William H. SewardRead
I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations.
William H. SewardRead
But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other.
William H. SewardRead
I have learned, by some experience, that virtue and patriotism, vice and selfishness, are found in all parties, and that they differ less in their motives than in the policies they pursue.
William H. SewardRead
The two systems slave and free-labor are incompatible. They have never permanently existed together in one country, and they never can.
William H. SewardRead
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