On the record
The colonists are by the Law of Nature free-born, as indeed all men are, white or black.… Does it follow that ‘tis right to enslave a man because he is black?
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner argues against the enslavement of individuals based on race, asserting the natural rights of all men.
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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!
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.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
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