New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-07-07
4 TRIBUTE TO CHARLES SCNNER.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN TIE PRESIDENT or
HAYu AND THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATOR.
WASHINGTON July 6.-lrhe following letter of
Nisage sage President OF the Republic Of Hayt, to the
Hon. Charles Sumner, has been received:
REPUBLIC or IAYTI PORT Au-PRISCE. Sept. a. 1872,
SIXTY NINTH YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE. 5
Honorable senator Lseize, eagerly, the good oppOr-
tnnty offered me by the departure o! our Minister,
citizen y Preston 10 pray You to receive the testimony
of my high consideration which does not cease to grow
by reason OF the eminent services which you render
daily to the noble cause Of an oppressed people.
perious dnties If did not to you the sentiments
Of gratitude which yonr name awakens In the
breast Of every one belonging 10 the African In
assuming the defense OF the rights Of this people.
guided by the most generous sentiments OF your rich
nature BY a sincere love OF Justice you have acquired
an Immortal title 10 tEe gratitude OF all the
Of the African Please to receive this feeble
preston Of high for the noble character
an Industrious citizen. and believe in the depth Of sent-
ments with which declare myself honorable Senator,
your devoted friend, NlsAGE SAGEI.
The Hon. Chas. Sumner
The following II Mr.. Summers answer: d..
WASHINGTON July L. 1873.
cannot at this late day acknowledge the letter with
which you have hOnored me, without explaining the
reason OF my delay. Owing % absence in Europe,
where bad gone for health did not receive your val
nable communication until some time in the Winter
when il put in my hands bY your excellent Minister
Continuing feeble in health, reluctantly postponed this
acknowledgment. 1 now take advantage OF Gonzales
TO do thus tardy what my feelings prompted az
Please SIR accept my thanks forl your generous ap
probation OF whatI have done, ana your kindness In
letting me know II under your own hand But beg
YOU 10 understand that do not deserve the praise with
which you honor tue. In advocating the cause OF an
oppressed people, have only acted according 10 my
conscience. could have done otherwise; and tnow
my only regret is that have done little wish
had done more.
In history of mankind the crime against the Afri
can race win stand forth in terrible eInnence always
served and never forgotten. just in proportion
civilization prevails will this enormous wrong be ap-
parent in its true character and men Will read with
asOnishment how human beings guilty only OF being
black sold into slavery, aud then (such tAe
continuing injustice toward this unhappy people,
when Slavery ceased they shll treated
with ndigny by persons whose lordly pre-
tensions were founded the skin only
As things In increasing light they will De
condemned uncertain words, will the demand
equal rights account of color the Judgment
awarded to slavery itself. Human conduct this
question a OF character. Where the African
enslaved degraded where IL posed TO any
ndignty shut out from that equality which is pr
NAL right of humanity, there civilization IL st feeble
70 the certain triumph OF civilization l look
with constant hope. 1t 10 sure 10 come and one
sign Of its arrival will he that prevailing
sentiment which recognizes the perpetual obligations OF
equal justice all and the duty TO repair wrongs
by cOmpensaOns In the future In the great debt OF
the whites 70 the blacks there Is bank from which for
generations TO come the latter can draw Accept, Mr.
President the expressions OF my ardent hope Tor the
peace prosperity and happiness OF the Republic Of
Hayti, aud allow me 70 subscribe myself with true
gard yonr faithful friend, CHARLES SUMNER.
The President OF Hayt. &c, &c, &c.