Political Quotes

On the record
Do not imitate that precious character in the gallery of old Tallemant des Réaux, “who built churches without paying his debts.” Our foremost duties now are to pay our debts, and these are twofold,--first, to the national freedman, and, secondly, to the national creditor.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner uses a metaphor to argue that the nation must fulfill its debts to both freedmen and creditors.

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