The treaty, therefore, had no effect until ratified by the Senate; and I repeat, every attempt at jurisdiction in those waters was a usurpation and an act of violence; I think I should not go too far, if I said it was an act of war.
Sumner argues that without Senate ratification, attempts at jurisdiction are not only usurpations but could be considered acts of war.
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More from Charles Sumner
Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.
Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.
Disunion no remedy for grievances of, VII. 33.
His loyalty to the Declaration of Independence, XIX. 317.
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