On the record
In vain do we condemn the despotisms of Europe, while we borrow the rigors with which they repress Liberty, and guard their own uncertain power.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner criticizes the hypocrisy of condemning European despotisms while adopting similar oppressive measures.
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According to recent calculations, its annual cost is not less than a thousand millions of dollars.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
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.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
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