Charles Sumner: “As well attempt to check the tides of Ocean, the currents of the…”

On the record

As well attempt to check the tides of Ocean, the currents of the Mississippi, or the rushing waters of Niagara.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner uses a metaphor to illustrate the futility of trying to stop the movement against slavery.

More from Charles Sumner

They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.

But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.

The most distant are not without a present influence on our daily lives.

It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “As well attempt to check the tides of Ocean, the currents of the Mississippi, or the rushing waters of Niagara.”