LAD #14: President Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In his First Inaugural Address, Lincoln stated that he never did or would intend to do anything about the slavery issue in the south. He did not view it as his duty as president to deal with the problem. He believed it was Congress' duty as the representatives of the nation, and that they should decide whether or not to outlaw slavery. President Lincoln did make another comment on the issue, saying that many states were in favor of the fugitive slave law even though there was still some controversy on the issue of whether the duty of capturing them resided with the federal or state government. He stresses in this Address that his major goal as president would be preserving the union of the nation and that he will carry out that duty as he sees fit, using force only when required. He then goes on to state that his administration will strive to pass or modify laws that will try to cede some provisions to the minority opinion as well, even though (he says) no law can please every individual. This is the case with the slavery issue where some states support abolition of the slaves and others do not. He closes by urging the nation to think hard on the slavery issue, reminding them that it was even before the constitution the nation was held together only by unity and even now, without they will be destroyed. He finishes by stating that he will neither 'condemn nor condone' their actions towards each other as long as it is within his power to "preserve, protect, and defend" the nation from itself.