On the record
For the Wilmot Proviso he voted, according to his own statement, “in one way and another, about forty times.” His vote is recorded against the pretence that slaves are property under the Constitution.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner recounts his consistent support for the Wilmot Proviso, opposing the notion of slaves as property under the Constitution.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
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.
Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
Other voices in this conversation
