pi. Lincoln was a practical statesman,
never attempting the impossible, but seeking to do the best thing
practicable under existing circumstances. He knew that prohibition in
the territories would result in no more slave states and no slave
territory. And now, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise shattered
all parties into fragments, he came forward to build up the Free Soil
party and threw into the conflict all his strength and vigor. The
conviction of his duty was deep and sincere. Hence he pleaded the cause
of liberty with an energy, ability, and power which rapidly gained for
him a national reputation. Conscious of the greatness of his cause,
inspired by a genuine love of liberty, animated and made strong by the
moral sublimity of the conflict, he solemnly announced his determination
to speak for freedom and against slavery until--in his own
words--wherever the Federal Government has power, 'the sun shall shine,
the rain shall fall, and the wind shall blow upon no man who goes forth
to unrequited toil.'"

The absorbing political topic in 1855 was the contest in Kansas, which
proved the battle-ground for the struggle over the introduction of
slavery into the territories north of the line established by the
"Missouri Compromise." Lincoln's views on the subject are defined in a
notable letter to his friend Joshua Speed, a resident of Kentucky. The
following passages show, in Lincoln's own words, where he stood on the
slavery question at this memorable epoch:

SPRINGFIELD, AUGUST 24, 1855.

Dear Speed:--You know what a poor correspondent I am. Ever since I
received your very agreeable letter of the twenty-second of May, I
have been intending to write you in answer to it. You suggest that
in political action now, you and I would differ. You know I dislike
slavery, and you fully admit the abstract wrong of it. So far,
there is no cause of difference. But you say that sooner than yield
your legal right to the slave, especially at the bidding of those
who are not themselves interested, you would see the Union
dissolved. I am not aware that any one is bidding you yield that
right--very certainly I am not. I leave the matter entirely to
yourself. I also acknowledge your rights and my obligations under
the Constitution, in regard to your slaves. I confess I hate to see
the poor creatures hunted down, and caught, and carried back to
their stripe