races, and I have always linked colonization with freedom.
The Negro cannot remain in a free democracy unless we absorb him into
our social and political life. Therefore, we must colonize him. We owe
it to ourselves, we owe it to future generations--above all, we owe it
to the Negro himself. He was brought here by cruel force. At our own
expense, therefore, we should return him to the home of his fathers,
and build there a free republic for his children. We should give him
our language and our ideals, and we should give him millions of our
money, until he can stand alone. We must face this problem squarely
now.

RAYMOND

Yet you compromise on other issues.

LINCOLN

Only because I must to save the Union. Trim and hedge on _this_ issue,
and future generations will feel their way back to it through blood and
tears. I have always held that the happiness and progress of this Union
of Free Democratic States will be secure only in the separation of the
white and black races, and I will not eat my words!----

[_Pauses._]

--the next charge in your bill of indictment, gentlemen?

RAYMOND

I now present the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, leader of Congress, the
representative of the radical wing of our party, who have split our
organization by nominating another candidate for President--Mr. Stevens
will give their views.

STEVENS

[_Pompously to the Committee._]

The radical wing of the party, gentlemen, has been the only creative
force within it--and is the only thing that gives it an excuse for
being to-day.

LINCOLN

[_Firmly._]

Which means that you think that I am superfluous and always have
been--I thank you--proceed!

STEVENS

We denounce first your policy of reconstruction in the South as weak
and vacillating--a civil and military failure. As the army advances,
the South should be held as conquered soil, its civilization torn up by
the roots, the property of the Southern white people confiscated and
given to the negroes. The ballot must be taken from the whites and
given to their slaves. We demand this just vengeance and we will be
content with nothing less!

LINCOLN

Stevens, I greet with shame your demands! Surely the vastness of this
war, its grim battles, its heroism, its anguish, its subl