It is so odious that nothing can be suffered to support it but POSITIVE LAW,”--that is, express words of a written text; and this principle, which commends itself to the enlightened reason, is adopted by several courts in the Slave States.
Sumner argues that slavery is so morally repugnant that it can only be supported by explicit legal texts, reflecting a broader critique of its legitimacy.
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Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.
Disunion no remedy for grievances of, VII. 33.
Consent of the governed necessary in forming new governments of, XII. 298.
Women’s National League, petition of, for universal emancipation, X. 300.
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