And now, in the face of this terrible and indisputable record, entering into and filling this impeachment, I hear a voice saying that we must judge the acts in question “as if committed by George Washington.” The statement of this pretension is enough.
In this statement, Sumner highlights the absurdity of judging actions by the standard of an idealized figure like George Washington.
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More from Charles Sumner
I am opposed to a tariff for protection merely, and not for revenue."--Letter to John K.
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.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
Other voices in this conversation
