Mr. President, there is an important fact connected with this slavery regulation, which should never be lost sight of.  It has always arisen from one and the same cause.  Whenever that cause has been removed, the agitation has ceased; and whenever the cause has been renewed, the agitation has sprung into existence.  That cause is, and ever has been, the attempt on the part of Congress to interfere with the question of slavery in the Territories and new States formed therefrom.  Is it not wise then to confine our action within the sphere of our legitimate duties, and leave this vexed question to take care of itself in each State and Territory, according to the wishes of the people thereof, in conformity to the forms, and in subjection to the provisions, of the Constitution?

The opponents of the bill tell us that agitation is no part of their policy; that their great desire is peace and harmony; and they complain bitterly that I should have disturbed the repose of the country by the introduction of this measure!  Let me ask these professed friends of peace, and avowed enemies of agitation, how the issue could have been avoided.  They tell me that I should have let the question alone; that is, that I should have left Nebraska unorganized, the people unprotected, and the Indian barrier in existence, until the swelling tide of emigration should burst through, and accomplish by violence what it is the part of wisdom and statesmanship to direct and regulate by law.  How long could you have postponed action with safety?  How long could you maintain that Indian barrier, and restrain the onward march of civilization, Christianity, and free government by a barbarian wall?  Do you suppose that you could keep that vast country a howling wilderness in all time to come, roamed over by hostile savages, cutting off all safe communication between our Atlantic and Pacific possessions?  I tell you that the time for action has come, and cannot be postponed.  It is a case in which the “let-alone” policy would precipitate a crisis which must inevitably result in violence, anarchy, and strife.

You cannot fix bounds to the onward march of this great and growing country.  You cannot fetter the limbs of the young giant.  He will burst all your chains.  He will expand, and grow, and increase, and extend civilization, Christianity, and liberal principles.  Then, sir, if you cannot check the growth of the country in that direction, is it not the part of wisdom to look the danger in the face, and provide for an event which you cannot avoid?  I tell you, sir, you must provide for lines of continuous settlement from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific ocean.  And in making this provision, you must decide upon what principles the Territories shall be organized; in other words, whether the people shall be allowed to regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, according to the provisions of this bill, or whether the opposite doctrine of Congressional interference is to prevail.  Postpone it, if you will; but whenever you do act, this question must be met and decided.