But I deny that the Constitution recognizes property in man.
William H. SewardRead
But you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote articulates a belief that constitutional recognition of slavery contradicts higher moral laws.
William H. Seward emphasizes that while the Constitution may recognize property rights in slaves, such recognition is fundamentally flawed. He argues that this constitutional provision is invalid because it contradicts universal principles of natural law and ethical standards upheld by nations, thereby underscoring the moral imperative to abolish slavery.
Themes
ConstitutionSlaveryNatural LawMoralityFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about civil rights, one might use this quote to argue against legal justifications for slavery.
More from William H. Seward
All quotes βIf slavery, limited as it yet is, now threatens to subvert the Constitution, how can we as wise and prudent statesmen, enlarge its boundaries and increase its influence, and thus increase already impending dangers?
William H. SewardRead
I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations.
William H. SewardRead
But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other.
William H. SewardRead
I have learned, by some experience, that virtue and patriotism, vice and selfishness, are found in all parties, and that they differ less in their motives than in the policies they pursue.
William H. SewardRead
The two systems slave and free-labor are incompatible. They have never permanently existed together in one country, and they never can.
William H. SewardRead
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