On the record
Columbus, venturing into an unknown sea, discovered a New World of Space; but our fathers, venturing likewise, discovered a New World of Public Duty.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner draws a parallel between Columbus's exploration and the Founding Fathers' discovery of civic duty.
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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.
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 is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
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