“Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of Ontario County, New York, praying that the army may be disbanded, and its services hereafter dispensed with; _a petition of male and female colored inhabitants of Boston, Massachusetts_, praying that colored men may be employed in transporting the mails, and enrolled in the militia; _and a petition of male and female colored inhabitants of Boston, Massachusetts_, protesting against the enactment of a law for the recovery of fugitive slaves.”[152] But I have said enough. Most earnestly and sincerely do I protest against this attempt, on three grounds: _first_, because, being essentially barbarous in character, it must be utterly shameful to a government boasting Christianity and professing Civilization; _secondly_, because it is a flagrant violation of the constitutional rights of more than half a million of American people; and, _thirdly_, because, in the present case, it is an insult to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where these petitioners reside in the free enjoyment of all the rights of citizens,--among others, of voting for Members of Congress. I am unwilling to weaken this argument for Human Rights by any appeal to State Rights; but I cannot fail to observe that this proposition, which tramples down State Rights in order to assail Human Rights, proceeds from a Senator [Mr. MASON] who always avows himself the defender of State Rights. For myself, Sir, my course is plain. Whatever may be the action of the Senate, I shall continue to present such petitions. And permit me to say, that I should be little worthy of the place I now hold, if, at any time hereafter, receiving such petitions, I hesitate in the discharge of this sacred duty. THE LATE HONORABLE JOHN SCHWARTZ, OF PENNSYLVANIA. SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON THE RESOLUTIONS IN TRIBUTE TO HIM, JUNE 21, 1860. MR. PRESIDENT,--Some men make themselves felt at once by their simple presence, and Mr. Schwartz was of this number. No person could set eyes on him without being moved to inquire who he was, or, if the occasion presented, to form his acquaintance. His look was that of goodness, and he acted in a way to confirm the charm of his appearance. Entering tardily into public life, he followed the prompting of duty, and not of ambition. At this call he severed friendships, personal and political, believing that principle was of higher worth than party or politician or President. Thus, when already reverend with age, he became a Representative in Congress.