The newspapers speak of the assembly as crowded and enthusiastic, in spite of stormy weather. The _Herald_ says, “The cheering was protracted, and the utmost enthusiasm was manifested by the audience.” Even the _World_ adds, “The lecturer was frequently and vociferously applauded, and the audience gave evidence of deep interest in his remarks.” From the report in the _Herald_ it appears that the allusions to Slavery were received always with “applause,” while, at the remark of Lafayette attributing “the evils of France less to the madness of violence than to compromise of conscience by timid men,”[52] there was what the _Herald_ calls “vehement and long continued applause, and waving of hats and handkerchiefs.” The temper of the audience was an illustration of prevailing sentiment. Beside the newspaper report at the time, this address was printed at New York in a pamphlet, but from notes of reporters without revision or help from Mr. Sumner. * * * * * In selecting this subject, Mr. Sumner was governed by two considerations: first, a long cherished desire to pay the homage justly due in his opinion to an illustrious character whose place in history was not yet determined, and, secondly, the conviction, that, in the actual crisis of our affairs, such an example of fidelity would help to fix popular sentiment. The sympathy of the audience in all the testimony against Slavery, and especially in the condemnation of Compromise, showed that the effort was appreciated. The report in the _Herald_ was headed “_Sumner on Slavery_.” Rumors of compromise in certain quarters and menaces from the South increased the anxiety of the more earnest to take advantage of every opportunity for demonstration against Slavery. To all suggestions of concession the North made haste to answer in the negative. Already began that fidelity under which the Rebellion finally succumbed and Slavery disappeared. * * * * * Mr. Sumner was especially pleased at the appreciation of this Address as an effort against compromise,--shown by a letter from a citizen of Kansas, who was present:-- “How timely and impressively that bright example teaches adherence to Liberty and Principle, and resistance to concession and compromise, at the present crisis!” A patriot citizen who heard it at Philadelphia, where it was given before an immense audience, wrote:-- “Your Lecture has done more good than words can tell. There is no such thing as calculating its value to our city.” The _Pennsylvanian_ of Philadelphia, after entitling it “Clear Grit Abolitionism,” said:--