He was by nature a philosopher and a reformer; but he was also a statesman, with a seat in the Cabinet of Louis the Sixteenth, first as Minister of the Marine, and then as Comptroller-General of the Finances.

Perhaps no minister ever studied more completely the good of the people.

But he was too good for the age,--or, rather, the age was not good enough for him.

Colonies are like fruits, which hold to the tree only till their maturity.

You have,” says he, “at this hour decided the greatest revolution of the globe,--the question whether America shall rule Europe, or Europe shall continue to rule America.

No longer was there any reason why the new alliance between France and the United States should not be placed under the auspices of genius, and why the same hand that had snatched the lightning from the skies should not have the fame of…

But the alliance with France had received new assurance, and the cause of American independence an immutable impulse.

Such an enterprise naturally interested Franklin, and, in the spirit of a refined humanity, he sought to save it from the chances of war.

As the great Revolution began to show itself, his name was hailed with new honor; and this was natural; for the French Revolution was an outbreak of the spirit that had risen to welcome him.

In snatching the sceptre from a tyrant he had given a lesson to France.

It is said that Louis Napoleon is concerting alliance with the Rebel Slavemongers of our country, founded on the recognition of their independence, so that they may take their place as a new power in the Family of Nations.

The two cases are in conspicuous contrast,--as opposite as the poles, as unlike as Liberty and Slavery.

The struggle for American independence was for Liberty, and was elevated throughout by this holy cause.

But the struggle for Slavemonger independence is necessarily and plainly for Slavery, and is degraded throughout by the unutterable vileness of its undisguised pretensions.

The earlier struggle, adopted by the enlightened genius of France, was solemnly placed under the benediction of “God and Liberty.” The present struggle, happily thus far discarded by that same enlightened genius, can have no other…

The present struggle is to put whips in the hands of Rebel Slavemongers with which to compel work without wages, thus giving wicked power to vulgar tyrants without number.

But where is the Turgot who has predicted, that, in the course of Nature, the great Republic must be broken to found a new power on the corner-stone of Slavery?

The earlier struggle gathered about it the sympathy of the learned, the good, and the wise, while the people of France rose up to call it blessed.

The present struggle can expect nothing but detestation from all not lost to duty and honor, while the people of France must cover it with curses.

Where duty and honor are so plain, it is painful to think that even for a moment there can be hesitation.

But, wherever I may be, I shall celebrate it in my heart.

That Proclamation was the key to open the gates of victory and peace.

Without it victory would have been doubtful, and peace impossible.

Never before, since the Mayflower landed its precious cargo, have New-Englanders had more reason for pride and gratulation than now.

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.