Charles Sumner: “Surely, where the Constitution, and reason, and precedent, all three…”

On the record

Surely, where the Constitution, and reason, and precedent, all three, are silent, we might well hesitate to exercise a power so transcendent.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner expresses hesitation about exercising significant powers when the Constitution and reason do not support it.

More from Charles Sumner

Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.

Contrary to Christianity, but upheld by the Church, I. 54, 58.

Early testimony of the Church against, I. 59.

Slavery and the: speech in New York, XI. 433.

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Charles Sumner: “Surely, where the Constitution, and reason, and precedent, all three, are silent, we might well hesitate to exercise a…”