...extirpate slavery, nor had he ever talked about black equality — or at least black civil equality. "I have no purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists," and "I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between...

...considered a very radical speech. Even President Lincoln, whose inaugural was barely cold, had said, 'I have no purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of slavery as it exists.' Impossible as it may seem, Williams was hissed. At this parting of the ways, the light-hearted...