Charles Sumner

If he insults and wrongs associates in official trust, who is safe from the malignant influence having its propulsion from the Executive Mansion?

If he is stubborn, obstinate, and perverse, are not stubbornness, obstinacy, and perversity commended for imitation?

If he sets up pretensions without number repugnant to republican institutions, must not the good cause suffer?

If he disregards Constitution and Law in the pursuit of personal objects, how can we expect a just subordination from others?

If he treats his trust as plaything and perquisite, why may not every office-holder do the same?

Therefore, for the sake of reform and purity, which are a longing of the people, and also that the Chief Magistrate may be an example, we must seek a remedy.

A man is known by his acts; so also by the company he keeps.

Since Sancho Panza at Barataria, no Governor has provided so well for his relations at the expense of his country; and if any other has made Cabinet appointments the return for personal favors, his name has dropped out of history.

But how accord this place to a President who makes his great office a plaything and perquisite, while his highest industry is in quarrelling?

The country desires an example for the youth of the land, where intelligence shall blend with character, and both be elevated by a constant sense of duty with unselfish devotion to the public weal.

But how expect any such change from one who will not allow the Presidential office to be secured against its worst temptation?

But is it not vain to seek this boon from one whose Presidential pretensions are so demoralizing?

But how expect reform from a President who needs it so much himself?

Anxiously, earnestly, the country asks for reform, and stands tiptoe to greet the coming.

Let it be said that he has set up Presidential pretensions without number, constituting an undoubted Cæsarism or personal government, and what Republican can reply?

Let it be said, that, wielding the power of the Great Republic, he has insulted the Black Republic with a menace of war, involving indignity to the African Race, and what Republican can reply?

Let it be said that he has openly violated the Constitution and International Law, in the prosecution of a wretched contrivance against the peace of San Domingo, and what Republican can reply?

Let it be said that he is not only the greatest nepotist among Presidents, but greater than all others together, and what Republican can reply?

Presenting his name, we vouch for his fitness, not only in original nature, but in experience of civil life, in aptitude for civil duties, in knowledge of republican institutions, and elevation of purpose; and we must be ready to defend…

In adopting him as a candidate for reëlection we undertake to vindicate his Presidency, and adopt in all things the insulting, incapable, aide-de-campish dictatorship which he has inaugurated.

Can such tyranny, where the military spirit of our President finds a congenial field, be permitted to endure?

Let a Senator or Representative hesitate in the support of his autocracy, or doubt if he merits a second term, and forthwith some distant consul or postmaster, appointed by his influence, begins to tremble.

Our President governs by offices,--in other words, by the appointing power, being a central force by which he coerces obedience to his personal will.

Some nations are governed by the sword,--in other words, by central force commanding obedience.

I dismiss the apologies with the conclusion, that in the matters to which they invite attention his Presidency is an enormous failure.