Question

which statement best shows president abraham lincolns attitude toward the issues represented by this headline?
a. you dislike the emancipation proclamation, and, perhaps, would have it retracted. you say it is unconstitutional? i think differently.
b. i believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.... i do not expect the house to fall—but i do expect it will cease to be divided.
c. with malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as god gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in...
d. our government rests in public opinion. whoever can change public opinion, can change the government, practically just so much.
(image: charleston mercury extra: the union dissolved!)

Explanation:

The headline "THE UNION DISSOLVED!" relates to the secession and the divided nation during Lincoln's time. Lincoln's view on the nation's division is best captured by option B: "I believe this Government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free... I do not expect the house to fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided." This quote reflects his stance on the impossibility of the nation remaining half - slave and half - free, which is relevant to the union dissolution context. Option A is about the Emancipation Proclamation's constitutionality, option C is his second inaugural address (post - war reconciliation), and option D is about public opinion and government, not the union's division.

Answer:

B. I believe this Government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free... I do not expect the house to fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided.