Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 15 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
History
Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 15 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
“Mr. Sumner’s resolutions appealing to the Turkish
Government in behalf of Crete, which were passed by both
Houses of Congress, have been much spoken of in diplomatic
circles. Some think they were too late, as in their opinion
the Cretans are already vanquished. This is not the
opinion with the Greek Legation, who is very hopeful, and
insists that the Turks can never prevail. The resolutions
themselves, even among those who do not sympathize with
their object, are regarded as a masterpiece of composition,
inasmuch as, while very strong, they did not fail in
courtesy toward the Turkish Government. There was a great
pressure to have the independence of Crete acknowledged,
especially by the Greek Legation, and by friends of the
Cretans in Massachusetts; but Mr. Sumner took the ground
that independence was a fact to be determined by evidence,
and that, whatever might be the opinion of individuals with
regard to the future result, there was no official evidence
showing that independence was yet established.”
PRIVILEGES OF DEBATE IN THE SENATE ON OFFICERS LIABLE TO IMPEACHMENT.
RESOLUTIONS IN THE SENATE, JULY 20, 1867.
The misconduct of the President, and his obstruction of
important legislation, naturally aroused judgment and
indignation. The question was then raised with regard to
the privileges of the Senate. July 20th, in the debate on
adjournment, Mr. Fessenden, of Maine, said: “The time has
come, undoubtedly, when there is a very serious difference of
opinion in Congress upon a very important question. With regard
to the Senate, I have considered that upon that question it
was not proper for a Senator to express an opinion, or even,
if he could avoid it, to form an opinion.” Mr. Sumner never
doubted the complete immunity of the Senate, and its duty to
consider these things in advance of impeachment, and he spoke
accordingly. On the day of Mr. Fessenden’s remarks he offered
the following resolutions, which were ordered to be printed.
Resolutions declaring the privileges of debate in the Senate with
regard to civil officers liable to impeachment.
Whereas it has been asserted that the conduct of a civil officer liable
to impeachment cannot be freely considered and condemned by Senators in
the course of legislative proceedings;
And whereas such an opinion is calculated to impair the just privileges
of debate: Therefore,
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