It is to fling away your arms in the very face of the enemy.
Editor's note · Context
Sumner uses a metaphor to describe the folly of disarming in the face of danger.
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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!
Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
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…
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.





