On the record
The sacrifice of precious life is beyond human compensation; but there may be an approximate estimate of the national loss in treasure.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human life lost in war while acknowledging the possibility of estimating financial losses.
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It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
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.
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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