On the record
One of his earliest declarations signalized his character: he would have this great work begin from above, anxious that it should not proceed from below.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner highlights the Emperor's intention to initiate emancipation from the top down rather than from popular uprising.
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They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
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