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Abraham Lincoln's famous "House Divided" speech...



Item # 596933

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June 24, 1858

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, June 24, 1858

* "A house divided against itself cannot stand" (Abraham Lincoln)

Page 3 has neaerly two columns of text headed: "Republican Principles" and "Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, at the Republican State Convention, June 16, 1858". This is the reporting of Abraham Lincoln accepting the Illinois state Republican party nomination to the Senate, and in his acceptance speech makes two of the more historic utterances in American history. In addressing the hot slavery issue, Lincoln asserts: "A house divided against itself cannot stand" and "I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free...".
It is near the beginning of his speech that both statements are found. Speaking to the issue of slavery Lincoln says: "...We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object and confident promise of putting an end to Slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease until a crisis shall have been reached and passed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved--I don't expect the house to fall0--but I do expect it will ceased to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other..." with much, much more. The complete text of Lincoln's historic speech is reported in this newspaper, only portions of which are shown in the photos.
Of added significance is the editorial commentary found on page 4 and which takes one-third of a column. It begins: "We print elsewhere the compact and forcible speech of the Hon. Abraham Lincoln before the late Republican State Convention at Springfield, Ill, setting forth the distinctive position & views of the Republicans...as distinguished from those of Senator Douglas...Mr. Lincoln never fails to make a good speech..." with more (see).
A very historic & desirable document and a significant issue for any Lincoln or Civil War collection. Complete in 8 pages, some light damp toning to the upper left otherwise in very nice condition.

Category: Pre-Civil War