On the record
It is plain that our fathers, when they adopted the “guaranty” of “a republican form of government,” intended something certain, or which, if not certain on the face, could be made certain.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner argues that the founders intended a clear definition of republican government in the Constitution.
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More from Charles Sumner
Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
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.
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