The Confederation had been merely an agreement “between the States,” styled “a league of firm friendship.” Found to be feeble and inoperative, through the pretension of State Rights, it gave way to the Constitution, which, instead of a “league,” created a “Union” in the name of the people of the United States.
Sumner contrasts the weak Confederation with the stronger Constitution that created a true Union.
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Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
According to recent calculations, its annual cost is not less than a thousand millions of dollars.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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