Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 16 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
History
Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 16 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
How can any possible evil result from a rule which is so natural
and just? There can be no conflict of races where there is no
denial of rights. It is only when rights are denied that conflict
begins. See to it that all are treated with justice, and there
will be that peace which is the aspiration of good men. For the
sake of peace I pray that this great opportunity be not lost.
I hear a strange cry about the supremacy of one race over
another. Of course I am against this with my whole heart and
soul. I was against it when it showed itself in the terrible
pretensions of the slave-master; and now I am against it, as it
shows itself in the most shameful oligarchy of which history
has made mention,--an oligarchy of the skin. Reason, humanity,
religion, and common sense, all reject the wretched thing. Even
if the whites are afraid that the blacks will become an oligarchy
and rule their former masters, this is no reason for a continued
denial of rights. But this inquietude on account of what is
nicknamed “negro supremacy” is as amusing as it is incredible.
It is one of the curiosities of history. Occupied as I am at
this moment, I should be tempted to put aside all other things
and journey to the Mississippi in order to look at a company of
whites who will openly avow their fear of “negro supremacy.” I
should like to see their pallid faces, and hear the confession
from their own trembling lips. Such a company of whites would be
a sight to behold. Falstaff’s sorry troops were nothing to them.
Such foolish fears and foolish arguments cannot prevail against
the great cause of Equal Rights. Spite of all obstacles and all
prejudices, this truth must triumph. Was it not declared by our
fathers? What they declared is a promise perpetually binding on
us, their children.
Accept my best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,
CHARLES SUMNER.
ISSUES AT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
SPEECH AT THE CITY HALL, CAMBRIDGE, OCTOBER 29, 1868.
At the Republican State Convention, held at Worcester,
September 9, 1868, of which Hon. George S. Boutwell was
President, the following was the last resolution of the
platform, which was unanimously adopted:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account