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"It is impossible ever to effect any good for mankind till we are aware of the obstacles offered to it, and of the resistance we have to encounter from prejudice, pride, and interest."&mdash;.

"The difference, not between the old and new philosophy, but between the natural dictates of the heart and the artificial and oppressive distinctions of society, was so vast and obvious, that the people in general could not conceive it possible for any one to be sincere or merely mistaken in withholding their claims."&mdash;.

"It is to state and to defend what I conceive to be the true principles of the Constitution under which we are here assembled. I might well have desired that so weighty a task should have fallen into other and abler hands. I could have wished that it should have been executed by those whose character and experience give weight and influence to their opinion such as cannot possibly belong to mine. But, sir, I have met the occasion, not sought it; and I shall proceed to state my own sentiments, without challenging for them any particular regard, with studied plainness, and as much precision as possible."&mdash;.

"You might as well ask a people to punish one another for their complexion, the color of their hair, or the shape of their bodies."&mdash;.

"My soul aches To know, when two authorities are up, Neither supreme, how soon confusion May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take The one by the other."&mdash;.

"I believe, Mr. President, that I am about as likely to retract an opinion which I have formed as any member of this body, who, being a lover of truth, inquires after it with diligence before he imagines that he has found it."&mdash;.

It needs no argument to prove that, in comparison with the civil rights, privileges, and immunities enjoyed, without discrimination or qualification, by all white citizens, as artificers, machinists, and workers in all handicrafts, mechanical and industrial vocations, employments, or business, or in their pursuit of pleasure, the freedom of their person in travel, their public entertainment by inn-keepers and by the proprietors of places 72