In the courts of law; in the temples with which all our ideas of justice, of right between man and man, are associated; where truth goes to be vindicated, where innocence flies to be avenged,--in these courts, an entire portion of the human race are known, not as men, but as chattels, as cattle.
Mann critiques the legal system for treating a segment of humanity as property rather than as individuals.
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They cannot do otherwise with laborers who work by compulsion, for the benefit only of their masters, and whose sole interest in the matter is to do as little and to consume as much as possible.
The institution of slavery is against natural right.
Did the law ever contemplate so cruel and revengeful a proceeding?
Under such a practice with regard to indictments, coupled with such a practice in regard to bail, an accusation would be as fatal as crime itself, however innocent the accused might be.
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