Lincoln (2012)

Stephen Spinella: Asa Vintner Litton

Photos 

Quotes 

• Asa Vintner Litton : Have you lost your very soul, Mr. Stevens? Is there nothing you won't say?

  Thaddeus Stevens : I'm sorry you're nauseous, Asa. That must be unpleasant. I want the amendment to pass, so that the constitution's first and only mention of slavery is its absolute prohibition. For this amendment, for which I have worked all my life and for which countless colored men and women have fought and died and now hundreds of thousands of soldiers... No, sir, no, it seems there's very nearly nothing I won't say.

• Schuyler Colfax : [gavels the House to order]  The floor belongs to the mellifluent gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. George Yeaman.

  George Yeaman : [Democrats applaud as Yeaman approaches the podium]  I thank you, Speaker Colfax.

  [surveys the chamber and addresses the House] 

  George Yeaman : Although I'm disgusted by slavery

  [calls of agreement from Republicans] 

  George Yeaman : I rise on this sad and solemn day to announce that I'm opposed to the amendment.

  [calls of agreement from Democrats] 

  George Yeaman : We must consider what will become of colored folk if four million are in one instant set free.

  Asa Vintner Litton : They'll be free, George! That's what'll become of them!

  George Yeaman : [...]  And we will be forced to enfranchise the men of the colored race... it would be inhuman not to! Who among us is prepared to give Negroes the vote?

  [momentarily silenced by cheers and boos throughout the chamber] 

  George Yeaman : And... and... what shall follow upon that? Universal enfranchisement? Votes for women? We...

  [stops, baffled and dismayed by the explosion provoked]