On the record
When I see a person of upright character and pure soul yielding to a temporizing policy, I cannot but say, He wants backbone.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner critiques those who compromise their principles for convenience, calling for integrity.
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I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
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