Page:The Barbarism of Slavery - Sumner - 1863.pdf/17

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11 ery and Civilization there is an essential incompatibility. If are for the one, you can not be for the other and just in proportion to the embrace of Slavery is the divorce from Civili-

you



That Slave-masters should be disturbed when

zation.

posed, might be expected. fully made, while they

surely exclude

all

But the assumptions now

may

this is ex-

so boast-

not prevent the sensibility, yet

ground of protest when these assumptions are

exposed.

Nor

is

this the

only

difficulty.

me-not, and everywhere in sight

Slavery

is

now blooms

a bloody Touchthe bloody flower.

on the wayside as we approach the national steps which we mount it flaunts on

It is

on the marble

now in

stand



the house of

capital



it is

this floor.

I

About me while I speak who have shown in the past

its friends.

most sensitive guardians, they are ready either to do or not to do where Slavery is in question. Menaces to deter me have not been spared. But I should ill deserve this high post of duty here, with which I have been honored by a generous and enlightened people, if I could hesitate. Idolatry has been often exposed in the presence of idolaters, and hypocrisy has been chastised in the presence of Scribes and Pharisees. Such examples may give encouragement to a Senator who undertakes in this presence to expose Slavery nor can any language, directly responsare

its

how much



now made for this Barbarism, be open Slavery can only be painted in the sternest colors

ive to the assumptions to question.

but I cannot forget that nature's sternest painter has been called the best

The Barbarism of Slavery appears

first in the character of Slavery, and secondly in the character of Slave-masters. Under the first head we shall naturally consider (1) the Law

of Slavery and its Origin, and (2) the practical results of Slavery as shown in a comparison between the Free States and the Slave States. Under the second head we shall na(1) Slave-masters as shown in the Law of Slave-masters in their relations with slaves, here

turally consider

Slavery



(2)

glancing at their three brutal instruments;

(3)

in their relations with each other, with society,

and with Govern-

Slave-masters

ment and (4) Slave-masters in their unconsciousness. The way will then be prepared for the consideration of the

assumption of constitutional law.