He said: “In my opinion, after as close and careful an examination of this bill as I have been able to give to it, its proper title would be ‘A bill to reënslave freedmen.’ … Sir, in the name of Liberty and Emancipation I protest against the passage of any such bill by the American Senate.
Sumner quotes a colleague's strong opposition to a bill he believes would re-enslave freedmen, invoking the principles of liberty and emancipation.
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Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
I am in favor of a tariff for revenue, such a one as will yield a sufficient amount to the treasury to defray the expenses of the government, economically administered.
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
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