The Rebellion began in two assumptions, both proceeding from South Carolina: first, the sovereignty of the States, with the pretended right of secession; and, secondly, the superiority of the white race, with the pretended right of caste, oligarchy, and monopoly, on account of color.
In this statement, Sumner identifies the foundational issues that led to the Rebellion, including state sovereignty and racial superiority.
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It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
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