On the record
Our fathers, under Washington, never paid the Algerines for our enslaved fellow-citizens, except as ransom; and they ceased all such tribute, when emancipation could be had without it.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner recalls historical precedent where no compensation was paid for the emancipation of enslaved individuals.
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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.
Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.
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