Sir, I have been betrayed into these remarks simply by way of answer to what has been said by my friend. I had hoped that this bill might be proceeded with without debate. I had trusted that this benign measure was so clear and refulgent with justice that no Senator would rise in his place to oppose it. I had indulged the longing that those especially in favor of amnesty for all would adopt that other greater and more comprehensive principle of justice for all. Strange, Sir, that the sensibilities of so many are aroused in favor of amnesty, and yet those same Senators are so dull when the rights of men are presented! I, Sir, am anxious to see universal amnesty; but with it must be asserted also universal justice. Our colored fellow-citizens must be admitted to complete equality before the law. In other words, everywhere, in everything regulated by law, they must be equal with all their fellow-citizens. There is the simple principle on which this bill stands. Who can impugn it? Who can throw upon it the shadow of question? Sir, if the Constitution of the United States does not sanction a bill like this, then forthwith should we proceed to amend that Constitution, and make it more worthy of our regard. Much as has been done, this bill must also be added to the trophies of Congressional action; this bill must be enumerated among the great results of our recent legislation. Terrible war will then have been a beneficent parent. I hope, Sir, there can be no question on the subject. The motion was not agreed to. OUR PILGRIM FOREFATHERS. SPEECH AT THE DINNER OF THE NEW-ENGLAND SOCIETY IN NEW YORK, DECEMBER 22, 1873. After the customary toasts, _The Day we celebrate_, and _The President of the United States_, the President of the Society, Mr. Elliot C. Cowdin, in announcing the _Third Regular Toast_, said,-- “I give you, Gentlemen, _The Senate of the United States_. “We are happy to greet, on this occasion, the senior in consecutive service, and the most eminent member of the Senate, whose early, varied, and distinguished services in the cause of Freedom have made his name a household word throughout the world,--the Honorable Charles Sumner.” “On rising,” says the official report, “Mr. Sumner was received with great cheering,--the members of the Society standing, waving handkerchiefs, and in other ways expressing lively satisfaction.” Mr. Sumner responded:-- MR. PRESIDENT AND BROTHERS OF NEW ENGLAND:--