On the record
The American people are intelligent and humane; they are not bulls, to be turned aside by shaking in their eyes a bit of red cloth, or whales, to be stopped by a tub.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner uses a metaphor to illustrate the intelligence and humanity of the American people against manipulative tactics.
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More from Charles Sumner
Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
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!
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
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