"But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other"

This quote by William H. Seward is describing the concept of equality among all people. He is saying that if we accept the facility that all individuals are equivalent, then it follows that nobody can own another individual as property. This is due to the fact that if all individuals are equal, then one person can not be the owner of another. This quote is an effective statement about the significance of equality and the wrongness of slavery. It is a reminder that all people ought to be treated with regard and self-respect, despite their race, gender, or any other aspect. Seward's quote is an effective suggestion that we need to pursue a society where everybody is treated similarly and relatively.