Charles Sumner

As now conducted, it is sometimes represented to be the seat of oppressive conduct, and the occasion of heart-burning and strife, often running into local politics.

Letters to myself and others, from persons whose opinions I am bound to regard, set them forth sometimes in very strong language.

In the first place, there are complaints against the existing system, which ought to be heard.

But there are two distinct arguments in its favor, which, at the present moment, do not seem to me susceptible of any answer.

I hear her voice of cheer, saying, "Whoso sails with me comes to shore!

The tempest may blow,--but ours is a life-boat, not to be harmed by wind or wave.

With such a cause and such candidates, no man can be disheartened.

The rising public opinion against Slavery cannot flow in the old political channels.

Thus by example in our own day we confirm the principle of political philosophy, that parties naturally adapt themselves in character and number to prevailing public opinion.

In England, the most important measure of recent reform, the abolition of the laws imposing a protective duty on corn, was carried only by a third party.

This is so strongly the conclusion of reason and philosophy, that it could not be doubted, even if there were no examples of such change and multiplicity.

But as other opinions practically prevail and seek vent, so must parties change or multiply.

All this is wrong morally, and therefore must be wrong practically.

This assumption, which is without foundation in reason, is so often put forth, that it has acquired a certain currency; and many, who reason hastily, or implicitly follow others, have adopted it as the all-sufficient excuse for their…

It is dogmatically asserted that there can be but two parties,--that a new party is impossible, particularly in our country,--and that, therefore, all persons, however opposed to Slavery, must be content in one of the old parties.

Against Freedom both the old parties are banded.

And now, Sir, by practical services here in Washington, rendered at the call of his country, he has earned, it seems to me, this small appropriation, not as a charity to his desolate widow, but as a remuneration for labor done.

By wide and active superintendence of rural improvements, by labors of the pen, and by the various exercise of his genius, he has contributed essentially to the sum of human happiness.

I know of no man among us, in any sphere of life, so young as he was at his death, who has been able to perform services of such true, simple, and lasting beneficence.

For myself, I should be much happier to vote a larger appropriation, believing, that, over and above the services actually rendered in the discharge of his duties, these plans are amply worth it, and that we shall all feel better by such…

Oppress not to the utmost a single heart; for a solitary sigh has power to overturn a whole world.

There also are words of Oriental piety, most touching and full of warning, which speak to all mankind, and now especially to us: "Beware of the groans of wounded souls, since the inward sore will at length break out.

There is the example of Washington; follow it.

Mindful of the lowly whom it pursues, mindful of the good men perplexed by its requirements, in the name of Charity, in the name of the Constitution, repeal this enactment, totally and without delay.

Leave this question where it was left by our fathers, at the formation of our National Government,--in the absolute control of the States, the appointed guardians of Personal Liberty.