On the record
The argument assumes, first, the needlessness of a Standing Army, and, secondly, its evil influence.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner critiques the necessity and negative influence of a Standing Army.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
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.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
Other voices in this conversation
