He neither affirmed nor denied any position touching Slavery in the Territories.

He was fully aware that many worthy, patriotic citizens desired that the National Constitution should be amended; and, while he declined to make any recommendation, he recognized the full authority of the people over the subject, and said he should favor rather than oppose a fair opportunity for them to act upon it.

He expressed a preference, if the Constitution was to be amended, for a general convention rather than for action through State Legislatures.

He so far departed from his purpose not to speak of particular amendments as to allude to the one submitted by the late Congress, to the effect that the Federal Government shall never interfere with the domestic institutions of the States; and he said that, holding such a provision to be now implied in the Constitution, he had no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.

He pleaded earnestly, even tenderly, with those who would break up the Union.