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 sublime earnestness, should sink all schemes of revenge. Before the grandeur of its simple story our children will walk with uncovered heads. Conquered soil! The South has never been out of this Union. Secession was null and void from the beginning. I say to the South now, as I have always said: "Come back home! You can have peace at any moment, by simply laying down your arms and submitting to the National Authority." When the South lies crushed at our feet, God's vengeance shall be enough. STEVENS The life of our party, sir, demands that the Negro be given the ballot and made the ruler of the South. This is not vengeance. It is justice--it is patriotism. LINCOLN The Nation cannot be healed until the South is healed. Let the gulf be closed in which we bury strifes and hatreds. The good sense of our people will never consent to your scheme of vengeance. STEVENS The people have no sense! And a new fool is born every second. LINCOLN I have an abiding faith in their honesty and good purpose. I have trusted the people before, and they have not failed me. STEVENS Bah----! LINCOLN