Charles Sumner: “When I see a person of upright character and pure soul yielding to a…”

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.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner critiques those who compromise their principles for convenience, calling for integrity.

More from Charles Sumner

Consent of the governed necessary in forming new governments of, XII. 298.

Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.

Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.

Women’s National League, petition of, for universal emancipation, X. 300.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “When I see a person of upright character and pure soul yielding to a temporizing policy, I cannot but say, He wants…”