day of the session as full and satisfactory, and
all that, under the circumstances, it was proper for me to indicate.

"For gentlemen now to press this matter; to agitate the country;
to spread these extracts all over the south, and to charge the
sentiments of this book upon me, and my associates here; to proclaim,
day after day, that the Republicans entertain these sentiments and
indorse them, is not that ingenuous, candid and manly course which
a great party like the Democratic party ought to pursue. While we
may conduct our political quarrels with heat, and discuss matters
with zeal and determination, it ought to be done with fairness and
frankness. The mode in which this resolution has been pressed
before the country, and I, with my hands tied and my lips sealed
as a candidate, have been arraigned day by day, is without a
precedent, not only in history but in party caucuses, in state
legislatures, in state conventions or anywhere else.

"I said when I rose the other day that my public opinions were on
record. I say so now. Gentlemen upon the other side have said
that they have examined that record to ascertain what my political
opinions were. They will look in vain for anything to excite
insurrection, to disturb the peace, to invade the rights of states,
to alienate the north and south from each other, or to loosen the
ties of fraternal fellowship by which our people have been and
should be bound together. I am for the Union and the constitution,
with all the compromises under which it was formed, and all the
obligations which it imposes. This has always been my position;
and these opinions have been avowed by me on this floor and stand
now upon your records. Who has brought anything from that record
against me that is worthy of answer? . . .

"I have never sought to invade the rights of the southern states.
I have never sought to trample upon the rights of citizens of the
southern states. I have my idea about slavery in the territories,
and at the proper time and in the proper way I am willing to discuss
the question. I never made but one speech on the subject of slavery,
and that was in reference to what I regarded as an improper remark
made by President Pierce in 1856. I then spread upon the record
my opinions on the subject; and I have found no man to call them
into question. They are the opinions of the body of the Republicans.
They are the opinions which I now entertain. Gentlemen are at
liber