On the record
It leaves the letter in the Constitution, but it takes away the powers by which that letter is made a living soul.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
He critiques a legislative action for stripping the Constitution of its meaningful power despite its textual presence.
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More from Charles Sumner
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.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
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.
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