Charles Sumner

In my view a crisis has arrived which requires the best efforts of every citizen; nor should he hesitate with regard to his peculiar post.

Upon serious deliberation, anxious to perform my duty, I feel myself unable to resist this appeal.

You now bid me renounce the cherished idea of my life, early formed, and strengthened by daily experience, especially by circumstances at the present moment.

I would show by example (might I so aspire!) that something may be done for the welfare of our race, without the support of public station or the accident of popular favor.

It has been my desire and determination to labor in such fields of usefulness as are open to every private citizen, without the honor, emolument, or constraint of office.

Its framework was logic and high moral principle, ornamented with refined and classical allusions and glowing images.

Refraining from all abuse, on the contrary dealing out praise where praise is due, he yet showed most conclusively that on the great question, the only question of importance now in issue, neither of these candidates could be trusted.

With the utmost candor, with a power of argument not to be answered, with an array of facts which cannot be met, he examined the position occupied by Cass and Taylor.

Like the ancient Roman Capitol, at once Temple and Citadel, it shall be the fit shrine for the genius of American institutions.

Its broad, all-sustaining arches are Truth, Justice, and Humanity.

Ours is an idea at least noble and elevating; it is an idea which draws in its train virtue, goodness, and all the charities of life, all that makes earth a home of improvement and happiness.

It is the idea which combined our fathers on the heights of Bunker Hill,--which carried Washington through a seven years' war,--which inspired Lafayette,--which with coals of fire touched the lips of Adams, Otis, and Patrick Henry.

But admitting that it is so, are we not, with our one idea, better than a party with no ideas at all?

But it is an idea now for the first time proclaimed by a great political party: for, if the old parties had been true to it, there would have been no occasion for our organization.

A great cause is staked upon your constancy: for, except you, where among us would Freedom find defenders?

Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.

Fellow-citizens, seeing the spirit which animates your faces, I am tempted to exclaim, that the work is already done to-night,--that the victory is achieved.

Have faith in Truth, and in God, who giveth the victory.

Let us be true to the moral grandeur of our cause.

The old and ill-compacted party organizations are broken, and from their ruins is now formed a new party, The Party of Freedom.

Upon the people depends whether their certain triumph shall be immediate or postponed: for triumph they must.

Putting trust in the sincerity and earnestness of his devotion to the cause, and in his ability to maintain it, I call upon you, as you love Freedom, and value the fair fame of your country, now dishonored, to render him your earnest and…

It is not for the Van Buren of 1838 that we are to vote, but for the Van Buren of to-day,--the veteran statesman, sagacious, determined, experienced, who, at an age when most men are rejoicing to put off their armor, girds himself anew…

He has lived to little purpose, whose mind and character continue, through the lapse of years, untouched by these mutations.

Those to whom they are applied, whether Democrat or Whig, concur in making opposition to Slavery and the Slave Power the paramount principle of political action.