We say ominous silence, because we can only recognize it as something fearfully ominous,--ominous of mischief,--ominous of the revival in this capital and throughout the country of the Slavery agitation, with a tenfold bitterness compared with any previous stirring up of the fountains of bitter waters.
Here, Sumner expresses his belief that the silence in the Senate was a foreboding sign of renewed conflict over slavery in the nation.
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Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
I am in favor of a tariff for revenue, such a one as will yield a sufficient amount to the treasury to defray the expenses of the government, economically administered.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
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