Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among men.… I am surprised at the suddenness as well as greatness of this revolution.
Sumner describes a monumental decision in American history and its surprising impact.
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They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
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