Ascending far above the simple idea of National Independence, they made their Declaration an example to mankind, in two respects: first, as a Declaration of Human Rights; and, secondly, as an admission that the Sovereignty which they established was limited by Right.
Sumner highlights the Declaration's broader implications for human rights and limited sovereignty.
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But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
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.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
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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