Of course no royal proclamation can change wrong into right, or make such business otherwise than immoral; but the proclamation may take from it the character of felony.
Editor's note · Context
Sumner argues that no royal decree can legitimize immoral actions, though it may alter their legal classification.
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As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
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.
It applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.





