A government which denies the elective franchise on account of color, or, in other words, sets up any “qualifications” of voters in their nature insurmountable, cannot be republican; for the first principle in a republican government is Equality of Rights, according to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
Sumner asserts that denying voting rights based on color contradicts the principles of a republican government.
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Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
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.
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