The first proceedings of Michigan were without any previous enabling Act of Congress; and she presented herself at your door with a Constitution thus formed, and with Senators chosen under that Constitution, precisely as Kansas does.
Sumner compares Michigan's admission process to Kansas's, emphasizing the lack of a prior enabling Act.
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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.
It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
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