Now, Sir, let us apply this reasoning to the matter in hand. In Massachusetts there exists, and has for a long time existed, an anomalous system, familiarly and loosely described as the Volunteer Militia, not composed absolutely of those enrolled under the laws of the United States, but a smaller, more select, and peculiar body. It cannot be doubted that the State, by virtue of its _police powers_ within its own borders, has power to constitute or organize a body of _volunteers_ to aid in enforcing its laws. But it does not follow that it has power to constitute or organize a body of volunteers who shall be regarded as part of the National Militia. And, Sir, I make bold to say that the volunteer militia--I prefer to call it the volunteer military companies--cannot be regarded as part of the National Militia. It is no part of that _uniform militia_ which it was the object of the early Act of Congress to organize. It may appear to be part of this system, it may affect to be, but I pronounce it a mistake to suppose that it is so in any just constitutional sense. As a local system, disconnected from the National Militia, and not in any way constrained by its organization, it is within our jurisdiction. We are free to declare the principles which shall govern it. We may declare, that, whatever may be the existing law of the United States with regard to its enrolled militia,--and with this I propose no interference, because it would be futile,--I say, Massachusetts may proudly declare that in her own volunteer military companies, marshalled under her own local laws, there shall be no distinction of race or color. THE PACIFIC RAILROAD AND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. LETTER TO THE MAYOR OF BOSTON, FOR THE CELEBRATION OF JULY 4, 1853. BOSTON, July 1, 1853. Dear Sir,--It will not be in my power to unite with the City Council of Boston in the approaching celebration of our national anniversary; but I beg to assure you that I am not insensible to the honor of their invitation. The day itself comes full of quickening suggestions, which can need no prompting from me. And yet, with your permission, I would gladly endeavor to associate at this time one special aspiration with the general gladness. Allow me to propose the following toast. _The Railroad from the Atlantic to the Pacific._--Traversing a whole continent, and binding together two oceans, this mighty thoroughfare, when completed, will mark an epoch of human progress second only to that of our Declaration of Independence. May the day soon come! Believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. HON. BENJAMIN SEAVER, Mayor, &c. THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM, AND ITS PROPER BASIS.