Charles Sumner: “The very superiority of our commerce would be a disadvantage, inasmuch…”

On the record

The very superiority of our commerce would be a disadvantage, inasmuch as we should be more exposed.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner points out that the strength of American commerce could ironically lead to greater vulnerability in conflict.

More from Charles Sumner

Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.

The only Constitutional party and party of freedom, VII. 38.

Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.

His loyalty to the Declaration of Independence, XIX. 317.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “The very superiority of our commerce would be a disadvantage, inasmuch as we should be more exposed.”