It is among the evils of slavery that it taints the very sources of moral principle. They look down upon the simplicity of a Yankee’s manners, because he has no habit of overbearing like theirs and cannot treat negroes like dogs. They fancy themselves more generous and noble-hearted than the plain freemen who labor for subsistence. But when probed to the quick upon it, they show at the bottom of their souls pride and vainglory in their condition of masterdom. In the abstract, they admit that slavery is an evil, they disclaim all participation in the introduction of it, and cast it all upon the shoulders of our old Grandam Britain. The discussion of this Missouri question has betrayed the secret of their souls. “It is, in truth, all perverted sentiment-mistaking labor for slavery, and dominion for freedom. “I told Calhoun I could not see things in the same light.” And as he later reflected on the day’s discussion, he realized how thoroughly he disagreed with nearly everything Calhoun and the other Southerners said by way of defense of slavery.
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