Charles Sumner: “I would propose that neutral merchant vessels, in time of war, as in time of peace, should be exempt from search…”

“I would propose that neutral merchant vessels, in time of war, as in time of peace, should be exempt from search, visitation, or detention, by armed Government vessels, when on the ocean or high seas,--I mean when beyond that distance from the shore which removes them from the jurisdiction of any maritime state.”