No! the charges against me are all of one kind,--that I have pushed the principles of general justice and benevolence too far,--further than a cautious policy would warrant, and further than the opinions of many would go along with me.
Editor's note · Context
Sumner acknowledges that the charges against him stem from his strong advocacy for justice and benevolence.
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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…
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.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!





