If we fail, then we must conclude that we've been all wrong from the start, and that the people need a tyrant, being incapable of governing themselves." Seward wrung his hands.

"If you put it that way I cannot confute you.
But, oh, Mr.President, is there not some means of building a bridge?
I cannot think that honest Southerners would force war on such a narrow issue.
"They wouldn't but for this slavery.

It is that accursed system that obscures their reason.

If they fight, the best of them will fight out of a mistaken loyalty to their State, but most will fight for the right to keep their slaves....

If you are to have bridges, you must have solid ground at both ends.