Uncalled For Quotes
of allegiance to the U.S. There were a number of “Copperheads” –Southern sympathizers—in the North, especially those areas that were near borders with Southern States. Some patriots proposed requiring everyone to take an oath—a solution that tends often to be suggested in times of war and strife, but really doesn’t do any good. The real traitors just falsely take the other; others who refuse, do so on principle and are rarely dangerous. Few public men had had the courage to call the process of requiring loyalty oaths absurd as Sherman did in the Civil War. In almost every era of war—cold or hot—there are some people who call for requiring more loyalty oaths and relatively few like Sherman who will publicly admit its futility.
In the lowest point in Senate history, Senator Brooks snuck up behind Senator Charles Sumner, stuck Sumner a massive blow to the back of the head with a heavy stick. While Sumner was half conscious and caught in his desk, Brooks continued to beat Sumner senseless. Sumner did not die but was seriously handicapped for life. Preston attacked Sumner supposedly because Sumner made a senate speech condemning slavery practices in South Carolina and “insulted” Brooks’ cousin—a Congressman who was defending slavery. Because of the polarization between North and Southern senators, no resolution could be passed to condemn and discipline Brooks so the Senate became the only place in America where someone could beat an unarmed, defenseless man senselessly with impunity. Even some Southerners were surprised because at that time “Gentlemen” still fought duels over disputes and in those, both parties would be equally armed.
