Charles Sumner: “You snatch a principle from the red book of despotism, and openly…”

On the record

You snatch a principle from the red book of despotism, and openly substitute the cartridge-box for the ballot-box.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

This quote critiques the replacement of democratic processes with violence, highlighting the dangers of such actions.

More from Charles Sumner

Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.

Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.

Women’s National League, petition of, for universal emancipation, X. 300.

Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “You snatch a principle from the red book of despotism, and openly substitute the cartridge-box for the ballot-box.”