...not be safely disregarded. We can not, then, make them equals.73 Lincoln concluded, "[I]t does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...I will not undertake to judge our brethren of the south."74 In effect, such Southern "brethren" might not unreasonably (or, for Lincoln, not blamably)...

...well or ill-founded, cannot be safely disregarded. We cannot, then, make them equals. It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...*This extract from Mr. Lincoln's Peoría speech of 1 854, was read by him in the Ottawa, debate, but was not reported fully or accurately in either the...

...high hope there might be in this in the long run, its sudden execution is impossible. It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...adopted; but for their tardiness in this, I will not judge our brethren in the South." When they reminded us of their constitutional rights, I acknowledged...

...are no more responsible for the origin of slavery, than we; I acknowledge the fact. ... It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...I will not undertake to judge our brethren of the south.29 Returning to the Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln's only other mention of the South occurs...

...would the feelings of the great mass of white people. "We can not, then, make them equals. It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be adopted; but for their [Southerners'] tardiness in this, I will not undertake to judge our brethren of the South."13 During...

...his Peoria address, he spoke of slavery's constitutional protection: "when they [white southerners] remind us of their constitutional rights, I acknowledge them, not grudgingly, but fully and fairly." With those constitutional safeguards in place, Lincoln admitted that immediate abolition was impossible....

...well or ill founded, cannot be safely disregarded. We cannot, then, make them equals. It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...grudgingly, but fully and fairly; and I would give them any legislatton for the reclaiming of their fugitives, which should not, in its stringency, be more likely...

...well or illfounded, can not be safely disregarded. We can not, then, make them equals. It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...which should not, in its stringency, be more likely to carry a free man into slavery, than our ordinary criminal laws are to hang an innocent one. Equal...

...myself." And, finally, "when they remind us of their constitutional rights, I acknowledge them . . . and I would give them any legislation for the reclaiming of their fugitives." Rather than upbraid slaveowners, Lincoln sought to comprehend their position through empathy. More...

...well or ill founded, cannot be safely disregarded. We cannot, then, make them equals. It does seem to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be...legislation for the reclaiming of their fugitives whicfi should not, in its stringency, be more likely to carry a free man into slavery, than our ordinary...