The Free States became little better than a huge outlying plantation quivering under the lash of the overseer; or rather, they were a diversified hunting-ground for the flying bondmen, resounding always with the “halloo” of the huntsman.
Sumner uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate how the Free States were affected by the institution of slavery, likening them to a plantation.
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This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
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