The Relations of the Federal Government to Slavery / Delivered at Fort Wayne, Ind., October 30th 1860

The author delivers a political address arguing that the Constitution and Federal Union should be preserved through constitutional, conservative measures rather than sectional conflict, defending Stephen A. Douglas's stance and repudiating charges of sympathy with rebellion. He reviews the constitutional origins and territorial expansion of the republic, stresses the diversity of peoples and institutions within its borders, and contends that misunderstandings and extreme opinions on slavery have driven the nation toward war. He urges revival of compromise, adherence to constitutional principles in dealing with slavery, and cautions that military subjugation cannot produce a true federal unity.