This influence becomes disastrous beyond measure, when bad men obtain control or bad ideas prevail.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner warns of the disastrous consequences when corrupt individuals or harmful ideas gain influence in politics.
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Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
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!
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.





