Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1874-03-13

tory. But a short time ago the country
was called to mourn one of the great ieao-
ers in the domain of science. Within
week one of the two surviving ex-Presi-
dents of the United States has passed away.
And now the sudden death Of ore oil inc
most eminent statesmen OF the latter Gays
of the Republic is announced-that oil
Charles Sumner.
The outlines of his life ere easily penned'
but the real story of his life must be written
bv the hand of genius alone-ior the lille oil
a treat man is not counted by months or
wears. but By its achievements and TIL
umphs. and their influence on his own and
future generations.
Charles Sumner was born in Boston, JAN
uary 6, 1871. Ills father, Charles Pinekncy
Sumner, was High Sheriff of Suffolk County
for fourteen years, and in his generation
was widely known as an orator and poet.
His grandfather was an officer in the Kevo-
lutionary war Charles Sumner was gra-
duated from Harvard College in 1880, and
from the Cambridge Law School IN 1854.
He was admitted to The bar, and soon at
tanned large practice, was appointed re-
norter of the Circuit Court Of the United
States. and wrote and edited several law
books. Daring the decade 1850 he de-
liyered some of the ablcst and most power
full of his orations, among them, "Thc True
Grandeur of Nations - (lSl5), The Seho-
lar. the Jurist. the Artist, the Philanthro-
MIST " nsi6). " Fame and Glory QSi7),
." Law Of Human Progress 16is), Land
mark of Freedom" (lS5D. " The Anti
slavery Enterprise" Qs55). lie took an
active part as a public speaker in opposition
TO the annexation Of Texas. in support OF
Martin Van Buren, for the Presidency IN
l84s. and was early identified with the
anti-slavery movement.
In 1851. he succeeded Daniel Webster as
United States Senator from Massachusetts.
On Nav 1926. 1856, he delivered his famous
speecb .. The Crime against Kansas a
sneeeb not absolutely faultless, yet not in
the least degree liable to the charge Of OBJ
noxious personalities. Yet on the assumption
that its author had unwarrantably assail-
ed and ridiculed Judge Butler Senator from
South Carolina, while sitting IN his place
in the Senate. few moments after adjourn
ment on May 22l. Mr.. Sumner was as
saulted BY Preston S Brooks, Representa-
tive from South Carolina, and a relative OF
Judge Butler. knocked to the hoor sense
less. and terribly beaten, while helpless and
unconscious. lie was 50 severely injured a
to be obliged to abandon his seat IN the
Senate for several years, and take voyage
to Europe.
This affair created an immense amount Of
sympathy for Mr. Sumner and the cadse iol
which he was felt to be a martyr, and
changed Thousands Of votes in the next
Presidential election. Mr.. Summers first
speech on re-uming his seat in the Senate
was on The Barbarism Of Slavery, june
1 ls6o In the Presidential contest Of 1850
he took an active part, making several
speeehe- in favor Of Lincoln and llamlin-
In March. 1851. be was appointed chair
man of the senate Committee on Foreign
Relations. . position for which, in most re
speets. he Wa admirably qualified. In
$50 came his rupture wiki the Admins
tration. the painful details Of which are
/ familiar to the public, and he Wa succeed
ed in bis Craftsmanship by Mr.. Cameron
lie had been Senator for twenty-lour years
through successive rc-election-, and biz
death removes from the door Of the Senate
form among the mos; striking and dignifet
in it, personal presence, and one Away
most eagerly pointed out to strangers.
During the later year of his life, bis in
tense self-conseiousness and readiness {.
take offence. lesseaei his influence in the
Senate. and some Of his political mistake
alienate1 thousands of loyal hearts who ha,
been accustomed t. look TO him for counse
and guidance. Butli- services TO bis eoun
try, to the cause Of human rights, t.
education and culture, to every grea
movement in this GA Of social lerment anc
agitation. were 50 eminent chat they woul.
overshaiow all his faults, had they beeI
tenfold greater than they were. A. long IL
courage Is hon0TcI, and principle respected
and patriotism cherished. so long wi
Charles sumner be held in honored remem
brance in the hearts Of his countrymen
and 50 long viii the history Of his careei
exert a powerful influence on the lives anC
characters Of mankind Mr.. Sumner
married late in life a widowed daughter OF
samuel Hooper, N. c. from Massachusetts,
but the union wa not happy one, anC
they soon separated, and Mrs.. Sumner ha'
since lived abroad.
\ collection Of NJ Summers speeehc
was published in Boston in 1870. in tw'
volumes, third volume was added II
1856: and at the time Of his death a com
plete collection Of his work, intended +,
embrace twciycyolumes wasp as-ing through
the press, under the author supervision
His last literary work, we believe. was q
revision and enlargement Of the monograph
prophetic Voices Respecting America,
first published in the Atlantic Monthly
seyeral year, since.