PRESIDENT, I long to vote for amnesty; I have always hoped to vote for it; but, Sir, I should be unworthy of my seat as a Senator if I voted for it while the colored race are shut out from their rights, and the ban of color is recognized in this Chamber.
Sumner expresses his desire to support amnesty but cannot do so without ensuring rights for the colored race.
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The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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