If Congress can authorize the enlistment of slaves, as it indubitably can, it may at the same time authorize their enfranchisement, and by the same reason it may authorize the enfranchisement of their families,--and all this from the necessity of the case, and to prevent an intolerable baseness.
Sumner argues that if Congress can enlist slaves, it can also enfranchise them and their families, linking necessity to justice.
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Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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