Political Quotes

On the record
That power is derived from several sources,--first, from the necessity of the case, because the State governments there are illegal, and the whole region has passed, as in the case of Territories, under the jurisdiction of Congress: no legal government exists there, except what Congress supplies.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner argues that Congress derives its authority over the Rebel States from the absence of legal state governments and its constitutional powers.

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The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.

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Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!

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