TO WHOM ENGLAND OWES THE GLORIOUS VERDICT OF HER HIGHEST COURT OF LAW, THAT THE SLAVE WHO SETS HIS FOOT ON BRITISH GROUND BECOMES THAT INSTANT FREE. Gentlemen of the Mercantile Library Association,--such was Granville Sharp, and such honors England to her hero paid. And now, if it be asked, why, in enforcing the duties of the Good Merchant, I select his name, the answer is prompt. It is in him that the merchant, successor to the chivalrous knight, aiming to fulfil his whole duty, may find a truer prototype than in any stunted, though successful votary of trade, while the humble circumstances of his life seem to make him an easy example. Imitating him, commerce would thrive none the less, but goodness more. Business would not be checked, but it would cease to be pursued as the "one idea" of life. Wealth would still abound; but there would be also that solid virtue, never to be moved from truth, which, you will admit, even without the admonition of Plato, is better than all the cunning of Dædalus or all the treasures of Tantalus.[168] The hardness of heart engendered by the accursed greed of gain, and by the madness of worldly ambition, would be overcome: the perverted practice, that _Policy is the best Honesty_, would be reversed; and _Merchants would be recalled, gently, but irresistibly, to the great PRACTICAL DUTIES of this age_, and thus win the palm of true honesty, which trade alone can never bestow. [168] Euthyphron, § 12. "Who is the HONEST MAN? He that doth still and strongly good pursue, To GOD, his neighbor, and himself, most true."[169] YOUNG MERCHANTS OF BOSTON! I have spoken to you frankly and faithfully, trusting that you would frankly and faithfully hearken to me. And now, in the benison once bestowed upon the youthful Knight, I take my leave: "Go forth! be brave, loyal, and successful!" [169] Herbert, The Temple: _Constancy_. WAGES OF SEAMEN IN CASE OF WRECK. SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON INTRODUCING A BILL TO SECURE WAGES TO SEAMEN IN CASE OF WRECK, FEBRUARY 12, 1855. On the 26th of December, 1854, Mr. Sumner introduced the following resolution:-- "_Resolved_, That the Committee on Commerce be directed to consider if any legislation be needed in order to secure the wages of merchant seamen in the case of wreck." On the 12th of February, 1855, Mr. Sumner followed up this resolution by introducing a bill, which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, as follows:-- "_A Bill to secure Wages to Seamen in case of Wreck._