God knows a man can die in no better cause than in vindicating the rights of debate on this floor; and I have only to ask, that, if the principle is to be approved by the majority, and to become part and parcel of the law of Congress, it may be distinctly understood.
Sumner passionately defends the importance of free debate in Congress, emphasizing its value even at the cost of one's life.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
According to recent calculations, its annual cost is not less than a thousand millions of dollars.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
Other voices in this conversation
