Our own part is simple. It is, first, to keep out of war,--and, next, to stand firm in those ideas which are the life of the Republic. Peace is our supreme vocation. To this we are called. By this we succeed. Our example is more than an army. But not on this account can we be indifferent, when Human Rights are assailed or republican institutions are in question. Garibaldi asks for a “word,”[258] that easiest expression of power. Strange will it be, when that is not given. To the Republic, and to all struggling for Human Rights, I give word, with heart on the lips. Word and heart I give. Nor would I have my country forget at any time, in the discharge of its transcendent duties, that, since the rule of conduct and of honor is the same for nations as for individuals, the greatest nation is that which does most for Humanity. THE PATRIOT DEAD AT ARLINGTON. SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REMOVE THEIR REMAINS, DECEMBER 13, 1870. Mr. McCreery, of Kentucky, asked leave to introduce a Joint Resolution, providing for the return of the ground at Arlington to the family of General Robert E. Lee, “and if graveyards have been established on the land, then the Committee shall ascertain and report the number of interments, on what terms a suitable spot for a cemetery can be purchased in the neighborhood, and the probable cost of removing the bodies to the new place of sepulture.” On the question, “Will the Senate grant leave to introduce the Joint Resolution?” Mr. Edmunds, of Vermont, demanded the yeas and nays, when a debate ensued, in which Mr. Sumner spoke as follows:-- MR. PRESIDENT,--Being called to vote on the pending motion, I make haste to say that I wish on this occasion to apply the Parliamentary Law in its strongest form. Whatever rigors it may have against propositions inopportune or offensive in character must be applied now, or never be invoked again; for never before in this Chamber was there similar occasion for these rigors. Therefore shall I vote for the most summary disposition of this joint resolution. Beyond this, perhaps, there is no occasion for remark, especially when I consider how eloquent Senators have already characterized the proposition and the traitor it seeks to commemorate. I am not disposed to speak of General Lee. It is enough to say that he stands high on the catalogue of those who have imbrued their hands in their country’s blood. I hand him over to the avenging pen of History.