The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1866-02-16
Hon. Charles SUMMERS Speech.

We publish in full, in our supplement
this morning, the great speech of Hon..
Charles Sumner, delivered in the L. S.
Senate yesterday, in opposition to the suf-
frage amendment to the Constitution, and
in favor of the guaranty of equal rights,
civil and political, to every American cit
izen. The speech will be found very ex-
tended and exhaustive. but it will well re-
pay perusal throughout, for the subject
contessedly transcends all others now be-
fore the American people, and Mr.. Sum-
ner brings to bear upon it all his ability,
learning and eloquence. His analysis,
even of the most abstruce points, is sim
gularly lucid, and both his facts and his
augmentation are so instructive that the
reader, whether agreeing or dissenting.
cannot but rise from the speech enlighten-
ed and better prepared for the political
duties of the times.
Mr.. Sumner begins with brief prelim-
mary statement of his objections TO the
/ Constitutional Amendment which has
passed the House, which he regards SIM
ply rs ':a compromise with wrong" Then.
taking his guaranty resolution us text.
he proceeds TO the discussion of the main
question. He examines, first, the nece>>i-
ties of the times, in which he shows that
entranchisement is the complement OF
emancipation, and is the only true path OF
deliverencc out of our present and pros
peetive troubles. Secondly, he contents
that it is made an imperative duty by the
clause of the Constitution guarantying :,
republican form of government TO every
State in the Union. The historical ar.nI-
ment under this head is especially album
dant and minute, comprising the anti-rev-
dictionary controversies of our fathers.
their solemn declarations, their opinions.
and the early public acts of the States.
lie then sums up the review i'll what he
terms the "Amcrican definition of :, re-
publican form of government" in SUPPORT
OF which he adds recent French opinion
Mr.. Sumner next brings into contrast
the late rebel States, and contends that
they are not republican forms OF govern
ment, but ''ari>tocracicS or olimarchieS.
This brings him to the duty of Congress.
which Is, i'll his opinion. 10 interfere
against such local 90, ernmcnt<. As they
''can exist only in defiance of the Con>ti-
tuition" The most direct mode of inter
ference Is the best, that l., by act OF Con-
gre>>. Ito provide all necliul safeguards.
and especially TO place the equal rights OF
all under the guardianship Of national
law After meeting the objections which
have been urged against this course. he
pleads for universal suffrage, contending
that the ballot Is II peacemaker." "a
Schoolmastei, and "A protector. ami as
necessary for the republic as it l. Tor the
freeman. He concludes with IN elouuent
assertion that the future good and glory of
the nation are only TO be sought and found
In equal rights for all = in which coli
necilon he Indignantly repudiates 1.-The
gospel according 10 Calhoun and inyokeS
equality and liberty.
We have given but the most meaurc
skeleton OF this great effort of Mr.. sum
her, which may Ee considered "a the .lcw-
lng contrast 10 his famous Grafton on the
''barbarlSm OF slavery. '-Bnson .Jom1.sl.