On the record
When the mill-gates are lifted, all the water above, in its most distant sources, starts on its way; and so will the slaves.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner uses a metaphor about water flow to illustrate how the appeal to slaves will mobilize them.
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They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!
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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