Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-01-07
Mr.. Summers Eulogy on Thaddeus sae-

Mr.. Summers eulogy on the late ThaddeuS
Stevens, was one of the most mastery efforts
of his life. In the discernment of the real
merits of the departed statesman, he display
ed a power unequaled by any who joined
with him in paying tribute of respect to
his memory. A few extracts from the
speech will show Mr.. Summers appreciation
of Mr.. Stevens, far better than any state
ment of its substance.
OfMr. Stevens efforts in behalf of Popu-
lar Education, Mr.. Sumner spoke as follows:
Two things stevens did for his adapted
state, by which he repaid largely all her
| hospitality and favor. He taught her edu-
| cation for the people, aud he taught her re-
spect for human rights. The latter lesson
| was slower learned than the former. In the
prime of life, when his faculties were in
their highest vigor, he became conspicuous
for earnest effort, crowned by a most persua-
siye Speech whose echoes have not yet died
away. for those common schools, which,
more even than railroads, are the handmaid
of civilization, besides being the true sup
port of republican government. His power
iul word was given promptly and without
hesitation to the vindication Of Human
l'Riphts. suffering then from constant and
most cruel outrage. Here he stood always
L like pillar. Suffice it to say that he was
J Zone of the earliest of Abolitionists, accept
ing the name and bearing the reproach.
: Not child in Pennsylvania coming spell
ling-book, beneath the humble rafters OF
village school, who does not owe gratitude
not a citizen rejoicing in that security which
} is founded on the equal rights Of all, who is
not debtor.
OF Inc share that the Great Commone
, took in the impeachment of President John
q know not Ii he could be called an ora
0 tor. Perhaps, like Fox, he were bette
e called debator. And yet, | doubt il word
were ever delivered with more effect thai
y when, broken with years and decay, he stoo'
y before the Senate, and in the name OF tn
d House of Representatives and of all the peo
{. ple of the United States, impeached Andrey
y johnson, President of the United States, c
k high crimes aud misdemeanors in offices
3 who can forget his steady, solemn utteranc
of this great arraignmentp The words wer
le few, but they will sound through ages. Th
ie personal triumph of that moment was merge
m in the historic grandeur of the occasion
% For a long time against opposition oil a
D, kinds, against misconceptions OF the la
II, and against apologies for transactions witt
" out Apologize had insisted on impeachmel
anu uUW lUlS Old man tottSiibS w Jouh s'c v
I'D dragged the Chief Magistrate of the Republ
to Judgment. Tt was he who did this thin
Sc and l should do poor justice to this life {
he this occasion if failed to express my gra
el tude for this heroic deed His merit is MOI
ID, the less because other influences prevail'
ny in the end. His example will remain fe
y, ever.
I'M The peroration of Mr.. Summer was me
rd admirable and comprehensive, and will
in cherished as true deineation of the CHI
he actcr of the man whose life was devoted
hn the claims of Humanity. 1t is as follows :
M 1t is as defender of human rights IL
en- Thaddcus Stevens deserves our homat
on Here he is supreme. On other questions
es. erred. On the finances his errors were S
ne nal. But history will forget these and otl
cts iailings, as it bends with reverence beft
me those exalted labors by which humanity ]
ne been advanced, Already he takes his pill
ms among illustrious names, which are the co
mon property of mankind ! see him no
al as have so often seen him during life.
ler venerable form moves slowly and with ,
ia certain steps but the gathered strength
M m years is in his countenance and the light
81. victory on his path. Politician, calculat
On time server, stand aside A hero-statesn
all passes to his reward.