I use this word advisedly; it is disastrous because it cannot fail to impair the moral efficiency of Congress, injure its influence, and be something like a bar to the adoption of a just policy for the Rebel States.
Sumner elaborates on why he believes the measure will harm Congress's moral authority and policy-making ability.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
I am in favor of a tariff for revenue, such a one as will yield a sufficient amount to the treasury to defray the expenses of the government, economically administered.
Other voices in this conversation
