White is for purity; red, for valor; blue, for justice.
Editor's note · Context
Sumner assigns specific meanings to the colors of the flag, emphasizing their symbolic importance.
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Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
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!
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
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.





