What I do say is that no man is good enough to govern another man without
that other's consent. I say this is the leading principle, the
sheet-anchor of American republicanism. Our Declaration of Independence
says:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal;
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights;
that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to
secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, DERIVING THEIR
JUST POWERS PROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED."

I have quoted so much at this time merely to show that, according to our
ancient faith, the just powers of government are derived from the consent
of the governed. Now the relation of master and slave is pro tanto a
total violation of this principle. The master not only governs the slave
without his consent, but he governs him by a set of rules altogether
different from those which he prescribes for himself. Allow all the
governed an equal voice in the government, and that, and that only, is
self-government.

Let it not be said that I am contending for the establishment of
political and social equality between the whites and blacks. I have
already said the contrary. I am not combating the argument of necessity,
arising from the fact that the blacks are already among us; but I am
combating what is set up as moral argument for allowing them to be taken
where they have never yet been--arguing against the extension of a bad
thing, which, where it already exists, we must of necessity manage as we
best can.

In support of his application of the doctrine of self-government, Senator