Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 20 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
History
Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 20 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
The present position of the colored citizen is perilous. He is
exposed to injurious pressure where he needs support. But I see no
early extrication except in the way now proposed. Let him cut adrift
from managers who would wield him merely as a political force, with
little regard to his own good, and bravely stand by the candidate
who has stood by him. If Democrats unite with him, so much the
better. The association, once begun, must naturally ripen in common
friendship and trust.
I am for peace in reality as in name. From the bottom of my heart I
am for peace, and I welcome all that makes for peace. With deep-felt
satisfaction I remember that no citizen who drew his sword against
us has suffered by the hand of the executioner. In just association
with this humanity will be the triumph of Equal Rights, when the
promises of the great Declaration are all fulfilled, and our people
are united, as never before, in the enduring fellowship of a common
citizenship. To this end there must be Reconciliation. Nor can I
withhold my hand. Freely I accept the hand that is offered, and reach
forth my own in friendly grasp. I am against the policy of hate; I
am against fanning ancient flames into continued life; I am against
raking the ashes of the Past for coals of fire yet burning. Pile up
the ashes; extinguish the flames; abolish the hate!
And now, turning to the Democratic party, I hold it to all the
covenants solemnly given in the adoption of a Republican platform
with Horace Greeley as candidate. There can be no backward step.
WATCHWORD FOR THE CANVASS.
With no common sympathy I observe that Mr. Hendricks, a leading
Democrat, whom I knew and esteemed in the Senate, has recently
announced his acceptance of the Constitutional Amendments with their
logical results. He proposes, as a proper key-note to the popular
movement now swelling to a sure triumph, “Just Laws and Public
Virtue.” This is a worthy aspiration, entirely fit for the occasion.
My watchword is, “The Unity of the Republic, and the Equal Rights of
All, with Reconciliation.” Such is my heart-felt cry; and wherever
my voice can reach, there do I insist upon all these, humbly
invoking the blessings of Divine Providence, which, I believe, must
descend upon such a cause.
* * * * *
Accept my best wishes for yourselves personally, and for the people
you represent.
And believe me, Gentlemen,
Your faithful friend,
CHARLES SUMNER.
To Dr. AUGUSTA, WILLIAM H. A. WORMLEY, and others.
LETTER TO SPEAKER BLAINE.
AUGUST 5, 1872.
July 31, 1872, Mr. Blaine addressed a letter to Mr. Sumner
through the newspapers, arraigning him as recreant both to party
and principle, in the position taken by him on the Presidential
question in his recent Letter to Colored Citizens. Mr. Sumner
responded as follows:--
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