endangered our Republican institutions, the only one that has ever
threatened or menaced a dissolution of the Union, that has ever disturbed
us in such a way as to make us fear for the perpetuity of our
liberty,--in view of these facts, I think it is an exceedingly
interesting and important question for this people to consider whether we
shall engage in the policy of acquiring additional territory, discarding
altogether from our consideration, while obtaining new territory, the
question how it may affect us in regard to this, the only endangering
element to our liberties and national greatness. The Judge's view has
been expressed. I, in my answer to his question, have expressed mine. I
think it will become an important and practical question. Our views are
before the public. I am willing and anxious that they should consider
them fully; that they should turn it about and consider the importance of
the question, and arrive at a just conclusion as to whether it is or is
not wise in the people of this Union, in the acquisition of new
territory, to consider whether it will add to the disturbance that is
existing amongst us--whether it will add to the one only danger that has
ever threatened the perpetuity of the Union or our own liberties. I think
it is extremely important that they shall decide, and rightly decide,
that question before entering upon that policy.

And now, my friends, having said the little I wish to say upon this head,
whether I have occupied the whole of the remnant of my time or not, I
believe I could not enter upon any new topic so as to treat it fully,
without transcending my time, which I would not for a moment think of
doing. I give way to Judge Douglas.