On the record
Necessity may excuse an action not in itself just, but it is without the force to render it just; for justice is immutable.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner argues that while necessity may excuse unjust actions, it cannot make them just.
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I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
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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