It is evident, therefore, that the Senate can do little more than indicate an opinion on what has already been done, and declare the proper principles on which a negotiation with Mexico should be conducted, without presuming to fix in advance all its terms.
Sumner highlights the Senate's limited role in negotiations with Mexico, focusing on principles rather than specific terms.
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Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
It applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
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