On the record
Some of the Northern Republicans affect to think that your speech was ill-timed; but I think it was just in time, and not a moment too soon.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner defends the timing of a speech against slavery, emphasizing its importance in the current moment.
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Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
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