Charles Sumner: “These three pretensions entered into Congress, like so many devils…”

On the record

These three pretensions entered into Congress, like so many devils, and possessed it.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner metaphorically describes the negative influences in Congress as demonic forces, illustrating the moral decay he perceives.

More from Charles Sumner

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

Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.

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

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

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Charles Sumner: “These three pretensions entered into Congress, like so many devils, and possessed it.”