Rejoice that under him “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” obtained a final verdict never to be set aside or questioned.
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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Above all, see to it that his constant vows are performed, and the promises of the Fathers maintained, so that no person in the upright form of man is shut out from their protection.
Do this, and the Unity of the Republic will be fixed on a foundation that cannot fail.
The corner-stone of National Independence is already in its place, and on it is inscribed the name of GEORGE WASHINGTON.
It is the great Declaration itself, once a promise, at last a reality.
On this adamantine block we will gratefully inscribe the name of ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
There must be the further victory found in the recognition, everywhere throughout the country, of the ideas of the Declaration of Independence.
It must be confessed, that, according to these ideas, republican government can be founded only on “the consent of the governed” and the equality of all before the law.
And why not dedicate ourselves to the work of establishing these ideas?
You have borne the heavier burdens of Slavery; and as these are now removed, believe the others surely will be also.
This enfranchised Republic, setting an example to mankind, cannot continue to sanction an odious Oligarchy, whose single distinctive element is color.
It is impossible to suppose that Congress will sanction governments in the Rebel States which are not founded on “the consent of the governed.” This is the corner-stone of republican institutions.
Never neglect your work; but meanwhile prepare yourselves for the privileges of citizens.
They are yours of right, and I do not doubt that they will be yours soon in reality.
The prejudice of caste and a false interpretation of the Constitution cannot prevail against justice and common sense, both of which are on your side; and I may add the Constitution also, which, when properly interpreted, is clearly on…
When Congress meets, we shall insist upon JUSTICE.
This is the talisman by which our country is to be saved.
This, Sir, is a cause that would be dishonored and betrayed, if I contented myself with appealing only to the understanding.
On a question of shame and honor reasoning is sometimes useless, and worse.
Gladly would I leave this post of honor to another; but I obey your will.
Who can see peril to his country, and not cry out?
Who can see that good ship which carries the Republic and its fortunes driving directly upon a lee-shore, and not shout to the pilot, “Mind your helm”?
Apologies or roundabout phrases are out of place, whenever danger threatens.
Neither the Rebellion nor Slavery is yet ended.
Slavery has been abolished in name; but that is all.
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