Charles Sumner

In the case of Spain the proceeding was an act of peace; in our case it is an act of war.

Spain boasted, in official papers, that in the act of reannexion the Dominicans were spontaneous, free, and unanimous,--that no Spanish emissaries were in the territory to influence its people, nor was there a Spanish bottom in its waters…

The first step in negotiation must be the withdrawal of all force, coercive or minatory.

Plainly there can be no cession of territory, and especially no surrender of national independence, except as the result of war, so long as hostile cannon are frowning.

The rule is general in its application; nay, more, it is part of Universal Law, common to all municipal systems and to International Law.

Especially must it be sacred with a Republic, for it is nothing but the mandate of Justice.

I speak only according to unquestionable reason and the instincts of the human heart, when I assert that a contract for the cession of territory must be fair and without suspicion of overawing force.

And never before was the occasion more imminent than now.

If I can help them, I will; if I can save them from outrage, I must.

Then, by the efforts of my life and the commission I have received from Massachusetts, am I vowed to do what I can for the protection and elevation of the African race.

Especially am I moved, if this wrong be done to the weak and humble.

If I am earnest, it is because I cannot see a wrong done without seeking to arrest it.

It is with nations as with individuals,--once stepped in, they go forward.

Violence begets violence, and that in San Domingo naturally extended.

As such, it was beyond all question a contract obtained under duress, and therefore void, while the duress was an interference with the internal affairs of a foreign country, and therefore contrary to that principle of Non-Intervention…

The treaty was a contract, which, according to our own witnesses, was obtained through a ruler owing power to our war-ships.

To me it was apparent at once that the acquisition of this foreign territory would not be respectable or even tolerable, unless by the consent of the people there, through rulers of their own choice, and without force on our part.

Thus, then, it stood,--that, on the official report of our own agents, we were engaged in forcing upon a weak people the sacrifice of their country.

Thinking of our giant strength, my anxiety increased for the weaker party, and I thought more of what was good for them than for us.

But whatever the difference of opinion on the main question, the evidence now before us shows too clearly that means have been employed which cannot be justified.

But beyond all these considerations is the commanding rule of Justice, which cannot be disobeyed with impunity.

And when I speak for the Republican Party, it is because from the beginning I have been the faithful servant of that party and aspire to see it strong and triumphant.

When I speak for Republican Institutions, it is because I would not have our great example weakened before the world, and our good name tarnished.

An act of war without the authority of Congress is no common event.

On evidence now before the Senate, it is plain that the Navy of the United States, acting under orders from Washington, has been engaged in measures of violence and of belligerent intervention, being war without the authority of Congress.