On the record
The slave has shown, by four years’ blameless behavior and devotion to the pursuits of peaceful industry, that he is as fit for his freedom as any English peasant, ay, or any lord whom I now address.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner argues for the capability of freed slaves to be treated equally, comparing them to English peasants and lords.
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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.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
Let loyalty to one man be exchanged for Love to Man.
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