Political Quotes

Charles Sumner: “A five minutes’ rule is not the previous question, with its death-dealing garrote, but it is a limitation of debate, and…”

On the record
A five minutes’ rule is not the previous question, with its death-dealing garrote, but it is a limitation of debate, and the Senate has from the beginning set itself against any such restriction, insisting always upon the largest latitude and amplest opportunity.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner distinguishes between a five-minute rule and more severe limitations on debate, advocating for the Senate's tradition of open discussion.

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