The position of the Republican Party, with reference to the Fugitive
Slave Law, presented some striking contradictions. Thus, in those
Northern States where statutes had been enacted to nullify the law,
the dominant political forces constituted the controlling element in
the membership of the party; yet the party itself, in its national
platform, demanded neither the repeal nor amendment of the Federal
statute. Again, there were men, prominent in its counsels, who, like
Salmon P. Chase, frankly acknowledged that the provision of the
constitution requiring the return of fugitive slaves, and the statute
of the Federal Government carrying this clause into effect, would not
be respected by one great element of the party and of the Northern
people. On the other hand, Mr. Lincoln, who defeated him for the
nomination to the Presidency, had counselled compliance with the
requirements of the constitution and the law. Time and again he
pointed out that it was the duty of citizens, and above all of public
officials, to observe the obligations of the constitution with respect
to this matter. "Stand with the Abolitionist in restoring the Missouri
Compromise, and stand against him when he attempts to repeal the
Fugitive Slave Law," was his declaration at Peoria, Illinois, October
16th, 1858.[271]