On the record
I insist, that, in imposing this duty, you not only change the existing law, but you depart from the standing policy of republican institutions.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner insists that imposing a new duty not only alters existing law but also contradicts the fundamental principles of republican governance.
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Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
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.
Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…
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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