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The advanced state of civilized society does not recognize the right of one man to own another man against his will. The inalienable right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, is conceded to all. The right of every man to himself, to enjoy the fruits of his own ingenuity and industry, are among the natural rights of every person made in the image of God.

— Elbridge G. Spaulding Remarks on the Republican platform (1860)

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More quotes by Elbridge G. Spaulding

Suddenly, and without the least necessity or provocation, the country was startled with a proposition to reopen the slavery agitation in a more aggravated form than ever before.

Remarks on the Republican platform (1860)

Whatever might have been the motive, few acts have ever been so barren of good, and so fruitful of evil. The contest has exasperated the public mind. North and South, and engendered feelings of distrust, and I may say hate, that I fear it will take years to wear away.

Remarks on the Republican platform (1860)

The Republican Party insists that slavery originated in force, by the stronger against the weaker party, and not by natural right; that it is maintained and upheld by oppression and wrong, and against the law of nature. This usurped ownership in man is not that kind of property which is recognized by the general consent of mankind.

Remarks on the Republican platform (1860)

The Republican cause is onward. Every man who desires good government has an important political duty to perform, and, with a united and determined effort, the country will be redeemed from the misrule of modern Democracy.

Remarks on the Republican platform (1860)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Elbridge G. Spaulding (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.