It is true, Sir, if anything but Slavery were in question, such an objection, if merely plausible, would be fatal; but it is not to be supposed that the partisans of an institution founded on denial of human rights can appreciate the proper efficacy of that writ.
In this statement, Sumner argues that proponents of slavery cannot truly understand the importance of Habeas Corpus due to their support for an institution that denies human rights.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
Other voices in this conversation
