Once can excuse the London Spectator's lack of understanding of the U.S. Constitution, but I'm frequently puzzled by the similar lack of understanding on the part of the Confederate supporters. But, given the lack of respect that the Davis government had for their own constitution, maybe it's no that hard to understand.
“Once (sic) can excuse the London Spectator’s lack of understanding of the U.S. Constitution . . .”
Still, the words of the London Spectator resonates even today and helps provide context for the claim that “Lincoln fought to free the slaves.”
The London Spectator wrote in words too clear to deny: “The Government liberates the enemy’s slaves as it would the enemy’s cattle, simply to weaken them in the coming conflict . . . the principle asserted is not that a human being cannot justly own another, but that he cannot own him unless he is loyal to the United States.”