Frankness is not a virtue of our opponents, else we should have this issue between us more fairly stated.
On the record
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner argues that honesty is lacking among his opponents, complicating political discourse.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
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.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.





