And now, Gentlemen, I throw myself again on your indulgence, while expressing the hope that you will not suspect me of insensibility to your generous present, if I add, that, considering the text of the Constitution of the United States and the service you have intended to commemorate, I deem it my duty to return the beautiful medal into your hands. To this I am constrained by the spirit, if not by the letter of the Constitution, which forbids any person in my situation from accepting any present of any kind whatever from a foreign State. Though this present is not strictly from the State of Hayti, yet, when I observe, that, according to the flattering inscription, it is from the Haytian people, and that the communication accompanying it is signed by the President and eminent magistrates of Hayti, and still further that it is in recognition of services rendered by me as a Senator of the United States, I feel that I cannot receive it without acting in some measure contrary to the intention of the Constitution which I am bound to support. In arriving at this conclusion I have been governed by that same sense of duty which on the occasions to which you refer made me your advocate, and which with me is a supreme power. While thus resigning this most interesting token, I beg you to believe me none the less grateful for the signal honor you have done me. Accept for yourselves and for your country all good wishes, and allow me to subscribe myself, Gentlemen, Your devoted friend, CHARLES SUMNER. The medal was subsequently presented by the Haytian Government to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and deposited in the State Library. EQUALITY OF RIGHTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. LETTER TO GEORGE W. WALKER, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF JEFFERSON, TEXAS, JULY 28, 1871. Mr. Walker having written to Mr. Sumner, asking his views in regard to the management of public schools, &c., the latter replied as follows:-- WASHINGTON, 28th July, 1871. DEAR SIR,--As in Europe there will be no durable tranquillity until Republican Government prevails, so among us there will be a similar failure until Equality before the Law is completely established,--at the ballot-box,--in the court-house,--in the public school,--in the public hotel,--and in the public conveyance, whether on land or water. At least, so it seems to me. I doubt if I can add materially to the argument which you have already received, but, with your permission, I ask attention to the point that _equality_ is not found in _equivalents_. You cannot give the colored child any equivalent for equality. Accept my best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir, Faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. PEACE AND THE REPUBLIC FOR FRANCE. REMARKS IN MUSIC HALL, BOSTON, INTRODUCING M. ATHANASE COQUEREL, OF PARIS, OCTOBER 9, 1871.