On the record
The whole opposition had its root in Slavery,--as also had the earlier resistance to Republican Government.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner identifies slavery as the root cause of opposition to Republican government.
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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.
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
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!
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
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