The very extent of our country, which is superficially urged as the apology for a high rate, is to my mind an all-sufficient reason for the proposed reform.
Charles Sumner
The Public Record
Charles Sumner was an American lawyer and statesman who represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate from 1851 until his death in 1874. Before and during the American Civil War, he was a leading American advocate for the abolition of slavery, and after the war he was a key figure in the Reconstruction era, during which he and other Radical Republicans successfully fought to end slavery and ensure basic rights for Black Americans. He continued advocating for racial equality until his death, lobbying in his final days for a civil rights bill that served as a model for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Historians credit Sumner with coining the phrase "equality before the law," which he first used as part of an early attempt to integrate Boston's public school system.
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And, lastly, because fellow-citizens have suffered and been separated by terrible war, therefore must the Post-Office become a good angel to quicken industry, to remove ignorance, to soothe prejudice, and to promote harmony.
The whole question of annexion was opened, and I felt it my duty to show at what cost to the good name of this Republic the scheme has been pursued down to this day.
I entered upon this exposure with a reluctance which I cannot express; but it was with me a duty.
Nor was I considering the merits of the Administration, or the merits, whether civil or military, of the President, but the annexion of San Domingo, on which I felt it my duty to express myself with the freedom which belongs to a Senator…
Then set the facts before the people, that they may judge; but, as I understand those facts, whether from official documents or from the testimony of officers or citizens who have been in that island latterly, Baez has been maintained in…
Correct me, if I am wrong; but if the facts be as I believe, you must leave me to my judgment upon them.
I only wish to do my duty simply and humbly, pained and sorry that I am called to differ from so many valued friends, but then still feeling that for me there is no other course to pursue.
Be it our aspiration to smooth the trials and assure the triumphs before us!
May they be tempered with mercy, and may we bear them with submission!
And then there is Duty always, which we are justly told is “more than life.” What is life where duty fails?
God grant that the triumphs may surpass the trials, making the New Year an epoch in human progress!
Though Reconstruction is in our statute-book, it is not yet established in the universal heart of the Nation, as it must be before peace can be permanently assured.
North Carolina is always considered less mercurial and violent than her Southern neighbor, with whom the Rebellion began; but this slow and staid State is now disturbed by bad spirits, menacing revolution and blood.
The excitement of ’61 bore no comparison to this.” In certain counties the Ku-Klux-Klan so far dominates that to be a Unionist is to brave death.
Alas, that, after all the terrible sacrifices of these latter days, we should be called to this new experience!
So long as men are in peril whose only offence is that they love the Nation, or that their skins are not “white,” the Rebellion still exists.
Force is needed; nor is this the time to remove political disabilities.
Our first obligation is to those who stood by the Nation, and those others whom the Nation has rescued from bondage.
These two classes must be protected at all hazards.
And not until this is completely performed can we listen to the talk of Amnesty.
Who would not delight to behold all in equal citizenship?
The people must be secure in their homes; especially must the Unionist and the Freedman be safe against all assault, while dear-bought rights are fixed beyond recall.
Nought in vengeance, nought even in punishment; but all for the sake of that peace which is the first condition of national welfare.
Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
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