On the record
It is enough that the Rebel States be declared vacated, as in fact they are, by all local government which we are bound to recognize: so that the way is open to the exercise of a rightful jurisdiction.
Source
gutenberg.orgCharles Sumner: “It is enough that the Rebel States be declared vacated, as in fact they are, by all local government which we are bound…”
Editor's note · Context
Sumner argues for the recognition of the Rebel States' lack of local government, paving the way for rightful jurisdiction.
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More from Charles Sumner
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
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.
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