Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 07 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
History
Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 07 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
“We have no apology to make to our readers for inserting
the noble speech of Mr. Sumner at the Worcester Convention.
Its perusal by all earnest and sincere lovers of Freedom
will no doubt be a rich treat, as it was to those who had
the pleasure of hearing it from the Senator’s lips. _The
manner in which it was received by nine tenths of the
Convention was a true indication of the state of feeling
in the Old Bay State._ We have been pained, as well as
surprised, to see the manner in which some Republican
papers, as well as individual members of the party, have
spoken in condemnation of this speech.”
The _People’s Press_, of Fall River, said:--
“The _Boston Journal_ may call it ‘ill-timed eloquence,’
but we believe that the people are rapidly coming to the
conclusion that the Honorable Senator has resolutely spoken
the needed truth, and has indicated the proper course for
our Government to pursue, in order to put down rebellion
most speedily and effectually, and secure a permanent peace
and an undivided country.”
The _Taunton Gazette_ said:--
“This suggestive speech of the eloquent Senator is not
in a strain which is just now popular. He does not sigh
for the things which have passed away, but calmly fronts
the demands of the future; and what he sees and declares
of swift-coming events is in keeping with the sternest
struggles for Liberty, and in full accordance with the
irrepressible instinct which animates our armed free
laborers, however the trimming politicians may denounce
their declaration. Let us not speak ill of this forecast
and courage. None knew better than he, that, for the time
being, he was rendering a thankless service. Indeed, we
venture to say that no other man holding high office in the
government, or desiring to hold, will dare to second or in
any way publicly approve of the vital suggestions of this
address.”
The _Dedham Gazette_ was positive for the speech, and also as to
its favorable reception.
“The most significant feature of the Convention was
the speech of Mr. Sumner, which was received with the
strongest expressions of approval by the great mass of
delegates present. The fixed and earnest attention with
which every word was received, and the hearty and repeated
applause which greeted every allusion to the doctrine of
Emancipation, proved conclusively that upon this question
the people are far in advance of the Government.”
The _Charlestown Advertiser_ testified to the reception of the
speech at the Convention.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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