By their undoubted service we are under perpetual obligation of doing to them as they did to us.
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
Failing in present duty, the Republic will lose a precious possession, as full of sweetness as of strength.
In the name of all these I speak to-day, hoping to do something for my country, and especially for that unhappy portion which has been arrayed in arms against us.
The people there are my fellow-citizens, and gladly would I hail them, if they would permit, as no longer a “section,” no longer “the South,” but an integral part of the Republic, under a Constitution which, knowing no North and no South…
Let the judgment go forth to cover them with blessings, sure to descend upon their children in successive generations.
They menace hate: we ask them to accept in return all the sacred charities of country, together with oblivion of the past.
All omens are with the Republic, destined yet to win its sublimest triumphs.
Timid or perverse counsels may postpone the gladsome consummation; but the contest now begun can end only when Slavery is completely transformed by a metamorphosis which shall substitute justice for injustice, riches for poverty, and…
From history we learn not only the past, but the future.
By the study of what has been we know what must be, according to unerring law.
And so it is plain that the Equal Rights of All will be established.
Soon or late the final victory will be won,--I believe soon.
Speeches cannot stop it; crafty machinations cannot change it.
The indications of that clock and the striking of that bell leave little room for doubt.
In the fearful tragedy drawing to a close there is a destiny, stern and irresistible as that of the Greek drama, which seems to master all that is done, hurrying on the death of Slavery and its whole brood of sin.
There is also a Christian Providence which watches this battle for right, caring especially for the poor and downtrodden who have no helper.
The freedman, still writhing under cruel oppression, lifts his voice to God the Avenger.
It is for us to save ourselves from righteous judgment.
Never with impunity can you outrage human nature.
Our country, which is guilty still, is paying still the grievous penalty.
Therefore by every motive of self-preservation we are summoned to be just.
And thus is the cause associated indissolubly with the national life.
Overthrowing an oppressive injustice, we give full scope to the principles of the National Government, and fulfil the “idea of a perfect commonwealth” which has charmed the visions of philosophy and poetry.
The Republic is all that has been, that is, and that shall be; and it is your duty to lift the veil.
So long as Slavery endured, it was impossible; so long as the Black Code, wretched counterpart of Slavery, endures in any form, it is impossible.
Politicians like Charles Sumner
