Political Quotes

On the record
The President did not act upon these principles, but, speaking with the voice of authority, said, “Let the slaves be free.” What Court and Congress hesitated to declare he proclaimed, and thus enrolled himself among the world’s Emancipators.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner reflects on the President's bold declaration of emancipation during the Civil War.

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Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.

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The most distant are not without a present influence on our daily lives.

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Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.

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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.

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