As a natural consequence, whatever is the rule for one is the rule for all; nor can we do to a thinly-peopled, small, weak, or black nation what we would not do to a populous, large, strong, or white nation,--nor what that nation might not do to us.
This quote illustrates Sumner's belief in the principle of reciprocity in international relations, regardless of a nation's size or strength.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
According to recent calculations, its annual cost is not less than a thousand millions of dollars.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…
Other voices in this conversation
