Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 02 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
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Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 02 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
"It was a speech which, for beauty, eloquence, and convincing
argument, I never heard equalled. 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. 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. He then spoke in a
most beautiful manner of our candidate, Martin Van Buren, and his
position. Extenuating nothing in his former action or opinion, he
spoke of him _as he now is_, the true exponent of the glorious
principles of the Buffalo Platform, which he called the Second
Declaration of Independence. Mr. Sumner spoke for three hours, and
to the close the hall was crowded. The bitterest opponents speak in
the highest terms of the speech and the meeting."
Another hearer at Amherst, writing in another newspaper, is equally
enthusiastic
"For three hours the multitude was swayed to and fro by his
resistless eloquence. No description can do justice to the address.
Its framework was logic and high moral principle, ornamented with
refined and classical allusions and glowing images. Through the
whole he was interrupted by long and hearty cheers. Toward the
close he expressed a fear that he was detaining his audience too
long (the clock was then striking midnight) but he was answered by
cries from all parts of the house, 'Oh, no! go on! go on! talk all
night!'"
This introduction may explain what ensued. Mr. Sumner was nominated
for Congress, and, under the circumstances, did not feel authorized to
decline. Earnestly urging others to active support of the cause, he
could not refuse the post assigned to himself. His letter accepting the
nomination, after giving reasons for the step, proceeds to consider at
some length the philosophy of parties and the necessity for the new
organization in which he was enlisted. The nomination was communicated
to him in a letter, which is given below, with his answer. The result
will appear in the sequel.
"BOSTON, October 23, 1848.
"CHARLES SUMNER, ESQ.
"DEAR SIR,--At a meeting of the Ward, County, and District
Convention of the Free-Soil Party of Suffolk, held on Thursday
last, it being proposed to go into a nomination of candidate for
Representative to Congress, and nominations being called for, your
name, and yours only, was placed upon the list.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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