At a great epoch of history, not less momentous than that of the French Revolution or that of the Reformation, when Civilization was fighting a last battle with Slavery, England gave her name, her influence, her material resources to the wicked cause, and flung a sword into the scale with Slavery.
Sumner draws a parallel between England's support for slavery and significant historical movements like the French Revolution.
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They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
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