Stephen A. Douglas

“The great principle is the right of every community to judge and decide for itself, whether a thing is right or wrong.”

“Let each State mind its own business and let its neighbors alone, and there will be peace in the country.”

“Tell them to obey the laws and support the Constitution of the United States.”

“There are but two sides to this question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war; only patriots and traitors.”

“I am not for the dissolution of the Union under any circumstances.”

“I hold that a Negro is not and never ought to be a citizen of the United States.”

“I desire to see a speedy settlement of all our difficulties. I am for a compromise.”

“America has been a country of progress, and our people have been a people of progress.”

“I hold that this Government was made on the white basis, by white men, for the benefit of white men and their posterity forever.”