Pass that law at this session, and it becomes an issue in the next political campaign; and those who sustain it and pass it here will be committed to its support, and those who oppose it will strive to elect men in favor of its repeal.
Sumner warns that passing a law could significantly impact future political campaigns and commitments.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
Other voices in this conversation
