Political Quotes

On the record
I seek no controversy with any man; but I shall express my sentiments frankly, and the more frankly because on this floor my colleague has been smitten down for words spoken in debate, and because there are those who, unmindful of the Constitution of their country, claim the right thus to question us.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

He expresses his intention to speak frankly, especially in light of recent events affecting his colleague.

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More from Charles Sumner

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.

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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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But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.

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Confessing the Fatherhood of God, and the consequent Brotherhood of Man, we find a divine standard of unquestionable accuracy.

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