On the record
Each public officer, who takes an oath to support the Constitution, swears that he will support it as he understands it, and not as it is understood by others.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner asserts that public officials must uphold the Constitution as they understand it, highlighting the subjective nature of constitutional interpretation.
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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 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.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
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