Political Quotes

On the record
Sumner will test the spirit of his constituents, and time will show whether they will sustain this great statesman, not as a partisan, but as a moral and philosophical force, in the evidently Heaven-appointed mission of keeping the public eye fixed upon a great principle, regardless of politicians or parties.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner's role is seen as a moral force advocating for principles beyond party politics.

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Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.

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Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.

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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.

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Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.

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