But a State is known only through its functionaries, constitutionally empowered to act; and since all these have ceased to exist, the State, with its unnatural institutions, has ceased to exist also, or it exists only in the lifeless parchments by which its Government was originally established.
Sumner argues that a state is defined by its functioning officials, and without them, it ceases to exist meaningfully.
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The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
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.
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.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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