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
It cannot be doubted that this dispatch of Mr. Squire by itself alone
is enough to justify inquiry. Without the resolution of the French
Assembly, and without the supplementary testimony to be adduced, it
throws a painful suspicion upon our officials, which should compel them
to explain.
But the letter of Mr. Remington, already adduced,[20] carries this
suspicion still further, by adding his positive testimony that he
dealt with the Government. Before referring again to this testimony,
it is important to consider the character of the witness; and here we
have the authentication of the Secretary of War, who has recommended
and indorsed him, in a formal paper to be used in France. Others may
question the statements of Mr. Remington, but no person speaking for
the Secretary will hesitate to accept them. If the testimony of the
Secretary needed support, it would be found in the open declarations
on this floor by the Senator from New York [Mr. CONKLING], and in the
following letter, which the Senator dated from the Senate Chamber
during the recess, when notoriously the Senate was not in session:--
“SENATE CHAMBER,
“WASHINGTON, D. C., November 17, 1871.
“MY DEAR SIR,--I learn with surprise that your personal and
commercial situation and the good name of the house of Remington &
Sons have been questioned. Having known your father and sons for
many years, having lived within a stone-throw, so to say, of your
house for a number of years, and being one of the Senators of your
State, I cannot hesitate to give you my testimony relative to the
accusations that have, as has been told me, been brought against
you in France.
“As to what concerns personal situation, importance of affairs,
success, solvency, wealth, and fidelity to the Government of the
United States, your house has for a long time occupied a front
rank, not only in the State of New York, but also in the Union.
“The allegation that you lack experience as a manufacturer of
arms, or in anything that can, as a man of business, entitle
you to respect, is, I can affirm in all sincerity, destitute of
foundation, and must proceed from ignorance or malignity.
“Sincerely, your obedient servant,
“ROSCOE CONKLING.
“Mr. SAMUEL REMINGTON.”
Thus does the Senator from New York vouch for the “good name” of Mr.
Remington.
Thus introduced, thus authenticated, and thus indorsed, Mr. Remington
cannot be rejected as a witness, especially when he writes an official
letter to the Chairman of the French Armament Commission at Tours. You
already know something of that letter, dated at New York, December 13,
1870. My present object is to show how, while announcing his large
purchases of batteries, arms, and cartridges, he speaks of dealing with
Government always, and not even with any intermediate agent.
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account