I am obliged to confess that I do not regard the abolition of slavery as a means of warding off the struggle of the two races in the Southern states. The Negroes may long remain slaves without complaining; but if they are once raised to the level of freemen, they will soon revolt at being deprived of almost all their civil rights; and as they cannot become the equals of the whites, they will speedily show themselves as enemies.

Summary

This quote reflects a viewpoint that opposes the abolition of slavery. The explanation given suggests that keeping people in bondage is seen as a way to suppress any potential uprisings or conflicts between races. According to this perspective, slaves may not outwardly object to their status, but if freed, they would demand their civil liberties and, being unequal to the white population, would eventually rebel against their former oppressors.

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