The British assumption, besides being offensive from mere technicality, is inconsistent with the Proclamation of the President, taken as a whole, which, while appointing a blockade, is careful to reserve the rights of sovereignty, thus putting foreign powers on their guard against any premature concession.
Sumner critiques the British interpretation of Lincoln's Proclamation, emphasizing its implications for sovereignty.
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Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
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