On the record
When I see a person talking loudly against Slavery in private, but hesitating in public, and failing in the time of trial, I say, He wants backbone.
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gutenberg.orgCharles Sumner: “When I see a person talking loudly against Slavery in private, but hesitating in public, and failing in the time of…”
Editor's note · Context
Sumner criticizes individuals who oppose slavery privately but fail to act publicly when it matters.
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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.
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
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