Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-11

Inc medal presented TO MIR. sumner by some
citizens of Hayti, as public testimony of their
gratitude for services rendered to their race and
nation, was declined with thanks by Mr.. Sum
ner, as we announced few days ago. The fol-
lowing is his letter:
WASHINGTON 18th July, 1871.
Gentlemen Il have received to-day, by the
hands of your minister at Washington, the
beautiful medal which you have done me the
honor of presenting to me in the name of the
llaytien people, together with the accompany
ing communication, bearing so many dstin-
guished names, among which recognize that
of the estimable president of the republic
Allow me TO say most sincerely that l do not
deserve this token, nor the fattering terms of
your communication. | am only one of many
who have labOred for the Acknowledgement of
the African race, and who yet stand ready to
serve at all times the sacred cause. Nor have
done anything except in the simple discharge
of duty. could not have done otherwise with
out the rebuke of my conscience. In this SER
vice have acted always under promptings
which with me were irresistible Like you,
hold the assured independence of Hayti as i'm
portant in illustrating the capacity of the Afri-
can race for selfgovernment, and | rejoice to
know that distinguished Haytiens recognize the
necessity of clnging to national life, not only
for the sake of their own republic, but as an
example for the benefit of that vast race over
which the white man has so long tyrannized
Your successful independence will be the tri-
umph of the black;manseverywhere in all the
isles of the sea, and in all the unknown expanse
of the African continent, marking great epoch
of civilization. In cultiYating a sentiment of
nationality, you will naturally insist upon that
equality among nations which is your right
Self-goyernment implies selErespect. In the
presence of international law all nations are
equal As well deprive a citizen of equality be-
fore the law as deprive nation You will also
Ghricfian rnlo oeo n1so 40 40
nations as to individuals, of doing unto Others
as you would have them do unto you, following
it always in your own conduct, and expecting
Others to follow it toward you. Nor will you
ever forget that sentiment of humanity by
which all men are made one with a common
title to equal rights.
lreloice again in the assurance you give that
Hayt is prepared TO advance in the path of
progress. Here | offer my best wishes, with
ardent aspirations that the two GOOD angels
education and peaee-may be her guide and
support in this happy path With education
for the people, and with peace foreign and do
mestic, especially everywhere on the island, the
independence of Hayti will be placed beyond
the assault OF force and the intrigues Of de
signing men, besides being announcement to
the African race everywhere. | trust that YOU
will receive with indulgence these frank words
in response TO the communication with which
you have honored me. They will show at least
my constant sympathy with your cause And
now, gentlemen, throw myself again on your
indulgence, while expressing the hope that you
will not suspect me of insensibility to your
generous present, if add that, considering the
text of the constitution of the United States,
and the services you have intended to common.
crate, deem it my duty 10 return the beautiful
medal into your hands. To this 1 am con.
strained by the spirit if not BIZ the letter, of the
constitution, which forbids any person in my
situation from accepting any present, Of any
kind whatever, from any foreign state, though
this present is not strictly from the state "oi
Hayti." Yet, when observe that, according to
its tiattering inscription, tits from "the Haytien
| people" and that the communication accom-
panying it is signed by the president and emf
nent magistrates of Hayti; and still further
that il is in recognition Of services rendered by
me as senator of the United States, feel that
| cannot receive it without acting, in some
measure, contrary to the intention of the consti
tuition, which | am bound to support. In ar.
irving at this conclusion, | have been governed
by that same sense Of duty which on the occa
sions to which you refer made me your advo
cate, and which with me is q supreme law.
While thus resigning this most interesting
token, beg you to believe me none the less
grateful for the signal honor you have done me
Accept for yourself and your country all goot
wishes, and allow me to subscribe myself, gen
tlemen, Your devoted friend,
CHARLES SIMMER