New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-12-09
Charles Summers POsItIOn-IIis Civip
Rights Bill and the Abolition of the
ElectOrRI College.

| Charles Summers POsItI0n-EIis Ciyip
Rights Bill and the Abolition of the
| Electoral College.
This is a New York Herald Washington
special
Mr. Sumner's position being one of tho
| topics OF the day, one of your corresponds
ents called at the Senator's elegant resio
dence, which is, IN fact museum of art
and literature Mr.. Sumner extended that
cordial welcome which he always gives
representatives of respectable newspapers,
and went on conversing with some con-
gressional visitors who we're seated near
him. He described, in his graphic manner,
his visits to President Theirs La Boulaye,
Gladstone, John Bright and other Euro
pean celebrities, but persistently eVadcd
all illusions to our home politics. even
when comparisons would be drawn by his
visitors. AT last they left, and your CORE
spondent complimented the Senator on his
improved health
Eyes" he replied "I am much better
than | was when | went abroad. did not
meet DE-. Brown Sequard there, as / had
expected. for he had sailed for New York
the very week in which | had sailed for
Liverpool. We consequently passed each
other on the ocean, but since my return I
have seen him at New YORK, and have been
professionally examined by him. He pro-
nounces my attacks of last summer the re-
suit Of the in juEies received in my spine fif-
teen years ago, and has laid down a course
of medical treatment which I propose to
follow He especially eDjOins rest from ex-
cessiye labor, and | do not propose to do
any more at the Capitol than can avoid
without airy neglect Of duty. Indeed, l am
not sure that / should attend the coming
session we're it not for my desire to have
my civil rights bill placed ON the statute
book
you will again urge the passage of this
bill by the Senate y asked your correspond
ent.
'Most assuredIy | shall" earnestly re-
Piled Mr.. Sumner, land | have already
been called on by some of the leading
colored men of this city, whoo assure me Of
their desire to have me carry out this
crowning feature OF the great work of
emancipation"
do you expect much personal 0pDosl-
ton in the Senate, Mr.. Sumner"
"Why should I2' he answered, and then
went on to say, expressly refrained from
reading an American newspaper during my
absence, and l am consequently not aware
that anything was said or written during
the canvass for or against me. This hasa
not entailed upon me any grievances tso
ayenge or any unpleasant souvenirs, and 500
far as | am concerned ; have only sentio
ments of moderation toward all. Indeed,
VIZ 'A''N@AA "a ~ NiA1SASJ tttn DAL CAStCl5t9
softenlng influence on political life and Sn
the animOsities Of party"
Your correspondent asked agheeReP Sh@
proposed amendment to the constitutions
limiting the presidential service So ono
term, would now be abandoned.
mot at all, replied Mr.. Sumner; con 9h@
contrary, shall press it to a vUse in the
Senate at the earliest opportunity, and wit8
it another proposed constitutional amend
ment which ! introduced into the Senate
last spring, abolishing the Electoral College,
and making the people vote directly for
President and Vice President
"Your colleague is warmlYocongrasuiat
on bis election as Vice Pgesidento DIR. Sumo
ner'
Yes and am glad Co Rlear him declare
himself II favor Of peace and harmony."o
He wants Congress to go to work now
and attend to the business on its calendars,
to which added: "And especially the
French sp0iiation claims; those should be-
settled at once"
Your correspondent endeavored to turn
the conversation into political channels,
but the Massachusetts Senator eyaded it.
while he talked fuently about some rare
books which he had purchased in Paris and
brought home On the whole his attitude
IS that Of attention, ready TO strike back if
assa!led, but not anxious to provoke coz
test,