On the record
Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that moment they are free: They touch our country, and their shackles fall.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner emphasizes the idea that in England, enslaved individuals gain their freedom upon arrival, highlighting the contrast between slavery and liberty.
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More from Charles Sumner
Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
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!
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
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