On the record
Above all, do not make a bad precedent, to be quoted hereafter to the injury of the Republic.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
In this statement, Sumner warns against setting a harmful precedent that could negatively impact the Republic in the future.
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Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
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