Charles Sumner

And it is this Oligarchy which, at every political hazard, we must oppose, until it is overthrown.

These things in themselves are bad, very bad; but they are worse, when regarded as natural offspring of the Oligarchy now swaying the country.

If it had been allowed to go over to another Congress, when the people might be heard, it would have failed, forever failed.

This bill was precipitated upon Congress without one word of public recommendation from the President, without notice or discussion in any newspaper, and without a single petition from the people.

It is characteristic of the Slave Power not to stick at the means supposed needful in carrying forward its plans; but never, on any occasion, were its assumptions so barefaced and tyrannical as in the passage of the Nebraska Bill.

One is the repeal of the Prohibition of Slavery in the vast Missouri Territory, now known as Kansas and Nebraska, contrary to time-honored compact and plighted faith.

And yet there are two outrages, fresh in recollection, which I must not fail to expose, as natural manifestations of Slavery and the Slave Power.

Unfolding these, I need not dwell on the wrong and shame of Slavery, or on the character of the Slave Power--that Oligarchy of Slaveholders--now ruling the Republic.

I think, in spite of strong opposition from the Whig presses and fuglemen, who cannot bear to give up their factitious powers and influence, that there is a great popular movement commenced, which may, under proper cultivation, disclose a…

Sumner had two objects,--first, to vindicate the necessity of the Republican party, and, secondly, to destroy the operation of the Fugitive Slave Act in Massachusetts, showing especially that citizens are not constrained to its support.

I think, therefore, as this may become a precedent in future in regard to other matters, that it should be settled with some degree of deliberation.

This simple measure, demanded by obvious justice, was at once embarrassed by an incongruous proposition for the support of Slavery.

Propositions for the repeal of obnoxious laws sustaining Slavery were stifled.

Attempts by John Quincy Adams to present petitions were thwarted in every way that vindictive rage could prompt.

I cheerfully submit myself to every odious name for conscience' sake.

He early saw the beauty of Liberty, and in those struggles which preceded the Revolution gave his eloquent tongue to her support.

The mayor of Boston is also openly charged with violation of the primal principles of free institutions and of the law of the land, in surrendering the city for the time being into the possession of a military force, and thus establishing…

The marshal of the district is openly charged with making the arrest of the alleged fugitive under the fraudulent pretence that he was a criminal,--a scandalous device, which no honest man can regard without reprobation.

The proposed bill will be an apt precedent for bounty in this large class of cases; and it may properly be opposed by all who are not ready for a new batch of claimants.

If the Committee were right in their former report, they cannot be right now.

And yet, in the very teeth of this recommendation, made by themselves at this very session, the Committee now propose to bestow a bounty upon such services.

Regarding the Act of Congress usually known as the Fugitive Slave Act as unconstitutional, while it is justly condemned by the moral sense of the communities where it is sought to be enforced, the undersigned are not disposed to recognize…

Truly honoring the Fathers, let Boston not depart from their example.

Our municipal history should be carefully read, and, unless we are prepared to disown our fathers, the conduct of Boston at memorable times should be set forward anew, as an example which her children must never forget.

It ought to be the occasion of a practical vow to those primal principles of Freedom which have been assailed.