In such a contest neutrality is treason to Human Rights.
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
It does not become the sons of the Pilgrims, and the sons of the Revolution, to be neutral in this contest.
Join us, all who would have the National Government administered in the spirit of Freedom, and not in the spirit of Slavery.
Join us, all who reverence the memory of the fathers, and would have their spirit once more animate the Republic.
Join us, all who cherish the Constitution and the Union.
Join us, all who love Freedom and hate Slavery.
Formerly associated with the Whig party, and a member of Congress, chosen by Whig votes, he set the example of renouncing his party, when it became openly faithless to Freedom, and by unreserved and noble effort has done much to strengthen…
All the great causes which are doing so much to renovate the age, Temperance, Education, Peace, Freedom, have in him a discreet, practical, devoted, self-sacrificing friend.
In him we find a liberal education blended with a liberal spirit,--the experience and the wealth of the successful merchant turned into the channels of Benevolence, and the influence earned by various labors, in various posts of honor and…
The large cities, which are the seat of the Money Power, are thus able, though a minority, to control the State.
The large cities, particularly Boston, electing Representatives by a general ticket, are able to return a compact delegation, united in political opinions, while the country, through divisions into small towns, is practically subdivided…
Perhaps the true remedy for this evil will be found in a more enlightened public sentiment; meanwhile we must do what we can to restrain this influence, by watchful legislation, if need be, but especially by directing against it the…
It claims the Commonwealth as its own, and too successfully enlists in its support that needy talent and easy virtue which are required to maintain its sway.
Selfish, grasping, subtle, tyrannical, like its ally, it will not brook opposition.
The Money Power has joined hands with the Slave Power.
Thus far the instinct of property has proved stronger in Massachusetts than the instinct of Freedom.
In corporations is the Money Power of the Commonwealth.
The efforts to place the National Government on the side of Freedom have received little sympathy from corporations, or from persons largely interested in them, but have rather encountered their opposition, sometimes concealed, sometimes…
Recognizing Justice and Beneficence as the end and aim of Government, they must sympathize with all efforts to extend their sway.
Massachusetts must refuse to support any Government which does not hearken to this request.
By her towns, counties, and districts, by her executive and legislative departments, Massachusetts must call upon the National Government to change from the policy of Slavery to the policy of Freedom.
And consider well, that this can be accomplished only by casting your votes for those who, while avowing our principles, are willing to sacrifice ancient party ties in order to maintain them.
Strive in all ways to extend its influence, to enlarge its means of efficiency, and to consolidate its strength.
In this way its influence can be brought to bear most effectually upon the National Government in support of our principles.
But the State itself is a compound individual, and just in proportion to its size and character it is important that it should be arrayed as a powerful unit in support of our organization.
Politicians like Charles Sumner
