Political Quotes

On the record
If, in looking back upon its history, we find much to humble our pride, if we are disposed to mourn that the National Government stooped to ransom men justly free without price, yet we cannot fail to gather instruction from this great precedent.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner acknowledges the complexities of America's history with slavery while advocating for learning from it.

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The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.

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Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…

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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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This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.

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