Charles Sumner: “There have been wars of pretext; but here was an act of legislation…”

On the record

There have been wars of pretext; but here was an act of legislation, which, whenever enforced, was a Petty War, and its origin was a pretext.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner describes the Fugitive Slave Act as a legislative act that served as a pretext for conflict.

More from Charles Sumner

Early testimony of the Church against, I. 59.

Contrary to Christianity, but upheld by the Church, I. 54, 58.

Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.

The only Constitutional party and party of freedom, VII. 38.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “There have been wars of pretext; but here was an act of legislation, which, whenever enforced, was a Petty War, and its…”