"A House Divided"

Abraham Lincoln gave his famous speech 150 years ago today, June 16, 1858.

At the close of the Republican state convention that nominated him for the U.S. Senate.

If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it.

We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation.

Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented.

In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand."

I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.

I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided.

It will become all one thing, or all the other....

[Source.]

Note: Lincoln's quotation is from Matthew 12:25.

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Mon. 06/16/08 04:46:13 PM
Categorized as Historical & Speeches and Suchlike.