Under its plain, unequivocal law, the bondman, at the unrestrained will of his master, is shut out from all instruction; while in many places--incredible to relate--the law itself, by cumulative provisions, positively forbids that he shall be taught to read!
Sumner highlights the legal barriers preventing enslaved individuals from receiving education.
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Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!
Still further: every ship-of-war that floats costs more than a well-endowed college.
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