Charles Sumner: “According to the definition of a slave, he has no will of his own, and…”

On the record

According to the definition of a slave, he has no will of his own, and can give no “consent” to government.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner argues that a slave, by definition, lacks personal autonomy and cannot consent to governance.

More from Charles Sumner

Consent of the governed necessary in forming new governments of, XII. 298.

Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.

Women’s National League, petition of, for universal emancipation, X. 300.

The only Constitutional party and party of freedom, VII. 38.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “According to the definition of a slave, he has no will of his own, and can give no “consent” to government.”