The earlier struggle enjoyed the favor of France, whether in assemblies of learning or of fashion, in spite of its King. It remains to be seen if the present struggle must not ignobly fail in France, still mindful of its early vows, in spite of its Emperor. Where duty and honor are so plain, it is painful to think that even for a moment there can be hesitation. Alas for France! VICTORY AND PEACE THROUGH EMANCIPATION. LETTER TO COLORED CITIZENS IN NEW YORK, CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION, DECEMBER 18, 1863. WASHINGTON, December 18, 1863. GENTLEMEN,--It is not in my power to be present at your festival in honor of the Proclamation of Emancipation. But, wherever I may be, I shall celebrate it in my heart. That Proclamation was the key to open the gates of victory and peace. Without it victory would have been doubtful, and peace impossible. And now both are certain. Accept my best wishes, and believe me, Gentlemen, Faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. THE COMMITTEE, &c. THE MAYFLOWER AND THE SLAVE SHIP. LETTER TO THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY AT NEW YORK, DECEMBER 21, 1863. At the anniversary of the Society speeches were made by Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, Mayor Opdyke, General Dix, General Burnside, General Sickles, Senator Hale, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and James T. Brady, Esq. Among the letters read was one from Mr. Sumner. SENATE CHAMBER, December 21, 1863. MY DEAR SIR,--I had counted on partaking of your patriotic, invigorating, and gratifying festival, where New-Englanders away from home annually meet for fellowship; but the Senate is in session, and you know it is not a habit with me to leave my post. I must put off to another occasion the pleasure I had promised myself. Never before, since the Mayflower landed its precious cargo, have New-Englanders had more reason for pride and gratulation than now. We are told that a little leaven shall leaven the whole lump, and that saying is verified. The principles and ideas which constitute the strength and glory of New England have spread against opposition and contumely, till at last their influence is visible in a regenerated country,--tried, it may be, by murderous conspiracy and rebellion, but aroused and stimulated to the manly support of Human Rights. Amid all the sorrows of a conflict without precedent, let us hold fast to the consolation that it is in simple obedience to the spirit in which New England was founded that we are now resisting the bloody efforts to raise a wicked power on the corner-stone of Human Slavery, and that as New-Englanders we could not do otherwise. If such a wicked power can be raised on this continent, the Mayflower traversed its wintry sea in vain.