The blood of this Northern man, who had dared to stand up in the Senate of the United States under circumstances that would have discouraged a man of less ardor, less enthusiasm, and less courage,--that blood now stains the Senate floor; and let me tell you, that not all the water of the Potomac can wash it out.
Sumner passionately describes the lasting impact of violence against a Northern senator in the Senate.
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Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
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