Tom DiLorenzo on how Henry Clay thought ending slavery could harm the cause of liberty

In the eulogy Lincoln claimed that [Henry] Clay, like himself, had a "deep devotion to the cause of human liberty," even though Clay was a slaveowner.  Clay was opposed to slavery "on principle"; however, he not only owned slaves but also was opposed to eliminating slavery.  In Lincoln's words, "[Clay] did not perceive, as I think no wise man has perceived, how [slavery] could be at once eradicated, without producing a greater evil, even to the cause of human liberty itself."

It's hard to imagine a clearer example of circular reasoning: Slavery is an affront to human liberty, but ending slavery would supposedly be even worse.

~ Tom DiLorenzo, The Real Lincoln, pp. 14-15

Henry Clay
1890-1893