Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-11-13
Reception gf Mr.. Summer in
Ras.cn

Y
At Least f!ts thousand people took part in
X The procession was very large. apd the
streets were filed. Msny OF the stores and
places Of busIness were closed on the line
between the city and Roxbury. He was
welcomed BY the venerable josiah QuIScY,
to which Mr.. ScxSEa replied. The pro-
cessicn then passed On 10 the State Houst
where en- immense crowd was ass rmbled-
lie sas introduced 10 the Governor BY Prof
HrsZiaerGs, Who made shor: address Of
welcome, end assured him that Massachu.
se,,a would stand by him Oh The morrow, to
which he replied as follows:
Nqy i. please your Ereel Acy--I, is a
pleasure 10 re TO be once mnre among the
scenes OF hcme; to lCok upon familiar OBJ
ject.-,he State House. the Ccmnon, and
veil know streets |; is m1re pleasant
still 20 behold the countenkDces Of friends.
And all this pleasure, sir, has been eohs need
by the welcome which you now give me, in
behaif of the beloved CDmmons ealth which
for five years have served honestly. earnest
ly and constantly, in sH important field of
duly 10 which wss introduced by sn uu-
sough, suffrage.
| Sir. thank you for this welcome.
thank also the distinguished gentlemen who
have honcre3 this occasion by their presence.
| | thank, too, these swelling mul'itudes who
contribute 70 me the strength ard succor of
their sympatbies; and my soul Overfows
especially to the yourg nen Of Boston, out
of whose hearts. 10 from an eKuberant foun-
tain. this broad-spreeding hospitality took
its rise.
Ny earnest desire, often expressed, has
been that might be allowed TO return home
quietly, wlthou, show or demonstration Of
any kind. And this longing has been en-
forced by my physical condition, which,
though vastly improved at this time, and sd-
yahcing surely iosards complete health, is
still exposed to the peril of relapse, or at
ieast to the arrest OF those kindly processes
of nature essential 10 the restoration OF
shattered system. Blu; the spontaneous
kindness of this reception makes me forget
my weakness--mskes ne forget my cesire
my desire for repose.
thank You, sir, for the suggestion Of
seclusion, and the security which that sug-
ges,ion prom ises to afford.
Something more, sir, | woult fsin say,
but am admenished that my voice and
strength will not permit. With your per-
mission, therefore, will hand wha, should
be glad to say, 10 the reporters, tina, it may
be printed.
We print the reminder Of this speech
| from Mr.. Summers manuscript
More than FIVE months have passed since
I was disabled from the performance of nay
pub lie duties. Turing this weary period,
have been constrained 10 repeat daily the
! lesson OF renunciation-conSned at FIRST to
my bed. and then only slowly regaining the
power even ts walk. But beyond the con-
slant. irrepressible grief which must well
up in the breast of every patriot as he dis
Germs the present co ndition Of his country,
my chief sorrow has been caused by the ne
cessIty to which was doomed, of renounc-
ing sll part in the contest for humln rights,
which, beginning in Congress, mas since
enveloped the whole land. The Grecian
chief, grievousy i'll Of q wound from the
s,ealiby bite of snake, and left behind
while his compa MONS sailed 10 the siege o.
Troy, did not repine more at his enforced
seclusion. From day 70 day and week to
week vsinly sought that heal;h which we
value most only when lost, ana which now
perpe,ually euded my grasp. For health |
strove; for health prayed. With uncertain
steps sought it at the sea shore and |
sought il Oh the mountain-top.
1.-TWO voices are there; one is Of the sen,
One Of the mountains; each mighty voice;
In both from age to age thou did-t rejoice,
They were thy chosen music, Liberty"
| listened to the admonitions Of medical
skill, and cuurted all the bracing influ.
ences of Nature, while Time passed without
the accustomed healing of its wings. 1had
confidently hoped to be restored 80 rs to
take my seat in the Senate. and to be heard
there again long before the session closed.
But Congress adjourned, leaving me still an
invalid. My next hope was that might be
permitted to appear before the people du-
ring the present canvass, and with heart and
mind plead the great cause which is now in
tissue. But here again have been disap-
pointed; and the thread of my disability is
not vet spun to the end. Even now, though
happily lifted from my long prostration, and
beginning to assume many of the conditions
of health, | am constrained TO confess that
am still an inrald--cheered. however, BY
the assurance that shall soon. with unim.
paired vigor, be permitted to resume all the
responsibilities Of my station.
Too much have said about myself; but
YOU will pardon it to the occasion, which,
being personal in its character, invites these
personal CO fessions. With mere pleasure
II turn to other things.
4 should feel that | failed in one Of those
duties which the heart prompts and the
judgment confirms, if allowed this first
opportunity 10 pass without the sincerest
acknowledgements to my able, generous,
and faithful colleague, Mr. Wilson. To.
gethcr We ldbored in mutual trust. honorably
leaning upon each other. BY my disability
he was left the sole representative of Mas
ssshuseits upon the flour of the Senate,
throughout months of heated contest, in
volviIg her good name end her most cher,
i ished sentimenis. All who watched the
currents OF debate, even as imperfectly as
d;d in INV distant retirement, Know with
what readiness, courage, and power he
acted-showing himself, by his extraordinary
energies, equal to the extraordinary occa-
sion. But it be.orgs to me, particularly,
to recognize his unfailing sympaihies tor
myself, ard bis manly assumption of all the
responsibilities of the hour.
sa not here to indulge in eulogy, ror
to open any merit-roll OF service; but the
same feeling which prompts these acknowl-
edgements to my colleague embraces also
the Common & ealth from whom We have re-
eeiveG cur trust. To Massachusetts, mother
of us all--great in resources, great in child
ren-l now pledge anew my devotion.-