Political Quotes

On the record
I do not forget the old saying, that the laws are silent in the midst of arms; but I would have our Republic show by example that such is not always the case.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

He acknowledges the saying about laws being silent during war but advocates for active legislative engagement even in times of conflict.

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More from Charles Sumner

Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.

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Confessing the Fatherhood of God, and the consequent Brotherhood of Man, we find a divine standard of unquestionable accuracy.

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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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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.

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