The Senator has no right for himself here; he does not represent himself; but he represents his State, of which he is the elected, most confidential trustee; and when his fidelity is openly impeached, there is no personal right which can become his shield.
This quote underscores Sumner's view that Senators are representatives of their states, and their actions must reflect the trust placed in them by their constituents.
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More from Charles Sumner
The most distant are not without a present influence on our daily lives.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
At Baltimore the delegation of the most important State in the Union, known to be in favor of the Wilmot Proviso, was refused admission to the Convention.
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
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