But these matters are all treated as subordinate to the primal principle of opposition to Slavery and the Slave Power.
Editor's note · Context
This quote highlights Sumner's belief that the fight against slavery is the most important political principle.
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More from Charles Sumner
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
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…
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.





