On the record
In the life of a nation, as in that of an individual, there are moments when outstanding promises must be performed under peril of ruin and dishonor.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner draws a parallel between national and individual responsibilities, emphasizing the need to fulfill promises to avoid ruin.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
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.
Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…
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.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
Other voices in this conversation
