On the record
Here was a Declaration of Natural Rights, the first ever put forth in history, unless we except the declaration only a few months earlier in Virginia.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner claims the Declaration of Independence was the first formal declaration of natural rights in history.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
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.
Other voices in this conversation
