Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 08 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
History
Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 08 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
On these various grounds I object to this order. In this criticism,
which I make with sincere sorrow, I confine myself to the order.
General Halleck is reputed an able officer, and I am sure he is an
able lawyer. I do not intend to question his various capacity. But
I do protest against his perverse violation of the Constitution to
carry out a miserable and disgraceful proslavery policy; and I protest
against his being allowed to degrade the character of our country. Sir,
we are making history. Every victory adds something to that history;
but such an order is worse for us than defeat. More than any defeat
it will discredit us with posterity, and with the friends of liberal
institutions in foreign lands. I have said that General Halleck is
reputed an able officer; but, most perversely, he undoes with one hand
what he does with the other. He undoes by his orders the good he does
as a general. While professing to make war upon the Rebellion, he
sustains its chief and most active power, and degrades his gallant army
to be the constables of Slavery.
How often must I repeat that Slavery is the constant Rebel and
universal enemy? It is traitor and belligerent together, and is always
to be treated accordingly. Tenderness to Slavery now is practical
disloyalty and practical alliance with the enemy.
Believe me, Sir, against the officers named to-day I have no personal
unkindness. I should much prefer to speak in their praise; but I am in
earnest. While I have the honor of a seat in the Senate, no success,
no victory, shall be apology or shield for a general who insults human
nature. From the midst of his triumphs I will drag him forward to
receive the condemnation which such conduct deserves.
This movement ended in the Bill for Confiscation and
Liberation, approved July 17th, which provided for the freedom
of the slaves of Rebels. The enactments on this subject
were embodied by the President in the first Proclamation of
Emancipation, September 22, 1862.
NO NAMES OF VICTORIES OVER FELLOW-CITIZENS ON REGIMENTAL COLORS.
RESOLUTION IN THE SENATE, MAY 8, 1862.
In a despatch announcing the capture of Williamsburg, May 6th,
General McClellan inquired whether he was “authorized to follow
the example of other generals and direct the names of battles
to be placed on the colors of regiments.” This gave occasion to
the following resolution, moved by Mr. Sumner.
RESOLVED, That, in the efforts now making for the restoration of
the Union and the establishment of peace throughout the country,
it is inexpedient that the names of victories obtained over our
fellow-citizens should be placed on the regimental colors of the United
States.
Mr. Hale objected to its consideration; so it was postponed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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