Mr. Johnson. Oh, indeed! I did not know that. [Laughter.]
Mr. Sumner. The Senator ought to know it.
Mr. Johnson. I do not think that is in the Constitution.
Mr. Sumner. I beg the Senator’s pardon; it is in the Constitution.
Mr. Johnson. The United States Constitution, or your State Constitution?
Mr. Sumner. Yes, Sir,—in our State Constitution.
Mr. Johnson. But it is not in the constitution of your people. You sometimes do, or have done, acts of injustice. What I mean to say is this,—and I am sure the honorable member will not be able successfully to controvert it, certainly not by authority,—that there is no difference between the State of Massachusetts and any other State in the Union with reference to its State powers. That is what I mean to say.
Mr. Sumner. I mean to say that the State of Massachusetts has no power to do an act of wrong,—no power constitutionally, morally, politically, or in any way.
Mr. Johnson. What is an act of wrong? Who is to judge of it?
Mr. Sumner. To enslave a fellow-man.