Page:Speeches of Carl Schurz (IA speechesofcarlsc00schu).pdf/36

26 serves the elements of strife and conflict. It speaks of peace, and yet it keeps alive the elements of war. Where is its safety?—where its blessings? [Cheers.]

There is the same struggle, everywhere, at all times. You must make up your minds to fight it out.

Since compromise measures and Mr. Douglas's “great principle” will not do it, what will? Let us learn from our opponents.

The clearest heads of the slaveholding States tell you openly that slavery cannot thrive, unless it be allowed to expand. And common sense must tell you, that the slave-power cannot rule, unless you submit to its dictation with cowardly obedience. [Cheers.]

Well, then, in the name of all that is good and great, if slavery cannot thrive, unless it be allowed to expand—pen it up! [Applause.] If the slave-power cannot rule, unless you lie prostrate on your knees—arise! [Repeated cheers.] I know Mr. Douglas will call this a revolutionary doctrine, but let him remember that he himself was called a revolutionist, when, by one of the strangest mistakes of his life, he opposed the Lecompton Constitution. [Cheers.]

In order to restrict slavery, you have but to return to the principles which dictated the ordinance of 1787 and which governed the policy of the greatest patriots American history can boast of.

In order to throw off the yoke of the slave-power, you have but to hold up your heads as men. [Cheers.] If they call this revolutionary, let them call it so. It is the revolutionary spirit to which this Republic owes its existence. [Applause.]

I will not waste your time by demonstrating that the power of Congress to exclude slavery from the national territories stood almost above all doubt and question, from the establishment of this Republic, down to the time