Political Quotes

On the record
These statutes had their origin in no sentiment of justice or humanity, but, as appears in early declarations, in a desire to prevent the harboring of fugitive slaves, who might find asylum among those exclusively of their own color.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner critiques the origins of certain laws that were designed to prevent the protection of fugitive slaves.

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At Baltimore the delegation of the most important State in the Union, known to be in favor of the Wilmot Proviso, was refused admission to the Convention.

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Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.

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