Thus far the main dependence has been troops, to which our honored Commonwealth has made generous contributions. No part of the country has suffered more in gallant officers, youthful, gentle, and excellent in all things. This neighborhood has its story of sorrow. Amherst has buried the pure and patriotic Stearns, and only within a few days here in Northampton you have received from the field of death the brave and accomplished Baker. And now at last a new power is invoked, being nothing less than that great Proclamation of the President which places Liberty at the head of our columns. Mr. Sumner here explained the immediate and prospective effects of the Proclamation, and then closed as follows. It is sometimes said that this edict is unconstitutional. Some there are with whom the Constitution is a constant stumbling-block, wherever anything is to be done for Freedom. It cannot be so, I trust, with the liberal farmers of this valley. Of course, the Edict of Emancipation is to be regarded as a war measure, made in the exercise of the Rights of War. It is as much a war measure as the proclamation calling forth troops, and is entitled to the same support. It is not a measure of Abolition or Antislavery, or of philanthropy, but a war measure, pure and simple. If there be any person disposed to discourage it, I warn him that _he departs from the duties of patriotism hardly less than if he discouraged enlistments_. There is but one course now before us. The policy of Emancipation, at last adopted as a war measure, must be sustained precisely as we sustain an army in the field. With this new and mighty agency I cannot doubt the result. The Rebellion will be crushed, and the Republic will be elevated to heights of power and grandeur where it will be an example to mankind. It is related of the Emperor Julian, known as the Apostate,--for he had once embraced Christianity,--that, perishing before he had struck the last blows prepared by hatred to the Church, he looked at the blood which spurted from his side, and then cried, “Galilean, thou hast conquered!” Whether fable or truth, the story has its meaning. Such a cry will yet be heard from the apostate chiefs in our Rebel States, “Liberty, thou hast conquered!”--and the echo of this cry will be heard round the globe. * * * * * Following the usage of your festival, I offer the following sentiment:-- _The Valley of the Connecticut._ Happy in its fertility, and also in its beauty; happier still in that inspiration of Liberty which is better than fertility or beauty. AMBULANCE AND HOSPITAL CORPS. RESOLUTION IN THE SENATE, DECEMBER 3, 1862. The following resolution, offered by Mr. Sumner, was adopted.