In the famous chapter, “How the laws contribute to form the manners, customs, and character of a nation,” we have a much-admired picture of “a free nation” “inhabiting an island,” where, without naming England, it is easy to recognize her greatness and glory.
Sumner highlights Montesquieu's depiction of a free nation, implicitly recognizing England's influence.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
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.
Let loyalty to one man be exchanged for Love to Man.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
Other voices in this conversation
