Slavery is not the only question which comes up in this controversy. There is a far more important one to you, and that is, what shall be done with the free negro?
Meaning of the quote
This quote is about the treatment of free African Americans at a time when slavery was a major issue. The speaker, Stephen Douglas, suggests that the more important question is not about slavery itself, but what should be done with African Americans who are already free. This reflects the complex and difficult debates around race and civil rights that were taking place in America at the time.
More quotes from Stephen Douglas
Slavery is not the only question which comes up in this controversy. There is a far more important one to you, and that is, what shall be done with the free negro?
There are only two sides to this question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war; only patriots and traitors.