The Preamble would be powerless against any “positive” sanction of Slavery by unequivocal words; but, on the other hand, any attempted sanction of Slavery by words not “positive” and not unequivocal, must be powerless against the Preamble, which, in this respect, is in harmony with the ancient maxims of the law.
Sumner argues that the Preamble serves as a powerful counter to any ambiguous pro-slavery language in the Constitution.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.
I am opposed to a tariff for protection merely, and not for revenue."--Letter to John K.
By Perpetual Peace Kant understood a condition of nations where there could be no fear of War; and this condition, he said, was demanded by reason, which, abhorring all War, as little adapted to establish right, must regard this final…
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
Other voices in this conversation
