State Rights were set up against Human Rights; but with the death of Slavery, followed by the extinction of the Rebellion, this definition takes its just place in our national system.
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.
gutenberg.org
Therefore whatever tends to maintain a republican government and to place it beyond assault, whatever tends to maintain the great principles declared at our birth as a nation,--all this is constitutional.
As well deny that the sun shines,--as well with puny arm attempt to drag the sun from the sky; still it shines.
God be praised! the day has passed when State Rights can be exalted above Human Rights.
It is a guaranty by the express text of the Constitution, and it must be performed.
It is vain to say that our fathers did not intend this great power and foresee its exercise.
There it is in the Constitution, clear and commanding; and there is the great definition in the Declaration of Independence, clear and commanding.
The words of the poet are again fulfilled: “They builded better than they knew.” But they did build.
They built this vast temple of Republican Liberty, and enjoined upon Congress its perpetual safeguard, “anything in the constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding”; and, Sir, by the oath which you have taken to…
First among these gains is that interpretation of the Constitution which makes us a nation, and places the equal rights of all under the protection of the national power,--being nothing less than the fulfilment of the early promises of the…
Too slowly has this been accomplished; but it is accomplished at last; and it is our duty to see that these promises are in no respect neglected, and that the Republic, One and Indivisible, dedicated to Human Rights, and an example to…
Born a putrid corpse, this decision became at once a stench in the nostrils and a scandal to the Court itself, which made haste to turn away from its offensive offspring.
The vote on this question will be an historic event, marking the triumph of a great cause.
From this time there can be no backward step.
After prolonged and hard-fought battle, beginning with the Republic, convulsing Congress, and breaking out in blood, the primal truths declared by our fathers are practically recognized.
All men are created equal,” says the great Declaration; and now a great act attests this verity.
For a long time a word only, it now becomes a deed.
For a long time a promise only, it now becomes a consummated achievement.
In assuring the Equal Rights of All we complete the work.
What he does, whether for good or evil, is felt in widening circles, according to the measure of his influence.
Doors will open, exclusions will give way, intolerance will cease, and the great truth will be manifest in a thousand examples.
Liberty and Equality were the two express promises of our fathers.
And this is the glory of the Republic, before whose mighty presence, radiant with justice, kings and nobles must disappear as the ghosts of night at the morning sun, while the people, with new-found power and majesty, take their place.
What we do to-day is not alone for ourselves, not alone for that African race now lifted up.
Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
Politicians like Charles Sumner
