And now this traitorous minority, putting aside the sneaking, slimy devices of conspiracy, steps forth in full panoply of war.
Editor's note · Context
Sumner condemns a faction he views as traitorous during the Civil War.
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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.
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.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.





