Political Quotes

On the record
It is easy for Senators who have upheld Slavery to uphold that interpretation of the Constitution which was the constant ally of Slavery; but it is incomprehensible how Senators fresh from the great battle with Slavery should continue in dalliance with the constant ally.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner criticizes senators who, despite opposing slavery, still support interpretations of the Constitution that favor state rights.

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According to recent calculations, its annual cost is not less than a thousand millions of dollars.

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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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