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Such a pretension would change the National Government from a government of law to that of a military dictator.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner warns that certain pretensions could transform the government into a military dictatorship, undermining democratic principles.
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This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
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.
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.
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