The antipathy which reigns between France and England blinded the French Cabinet; it forgot that its interest consisted in remaining a tranquil spectator of this conflict; and, once launched in the arena, it dragged us, unhappily, and by virtue of the Family Compact, into a war entirely contrary to our proper interest.
Sumner discusses the French Cabinet's misjudgment in engaging in a conflict that was against their interests.
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Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
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 applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
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