"But you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations"
- William H. Seward
About this Quote
This quote by William H. Seward is referring to the acknowledgment of residential or commercial property in servants by the Constitution. Seward is arguing that this recognition is void since it is in direct violation of the law of nature and of nations. He is suggesting that the recognition of property in slaves is not only immoral, however also illegal. Seward is making the point that the recognition of property in slaves is not only wrong, but likewise unconstitutional. He is arguing that the recognition of property in slaves is not just immoral, however also prohibited and ought to not be enabled. Seward is making the point that the acknowledgment of residential or commercial property in servants is not just incorrect, however also unconstitutional and must not be enabled. He is recommending that the recognition of property in slaves is not only unethical, however likewise illegal and need to not be tolerated.
"The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it"
