Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-03-11
pIArH OF CHARLES SUMNER.

A great light has suddenly fallen in
the political armament Charles sum
ner died at HAS this morning, at his
residence in Washington City, after
very brief illness. At this late hour we
can say but little. The event OF his de-.
mise, however, will make u profound
impression on the country, and the news
will be received with regret and sympa-
thy even in foreign lands. The morn
ing dispatches brought intelligence that
Mr.. Sumner had been taken suddenly i'll
yesterday, but that he was resting well
and no serious fears we're entertained
for the present. 1t is generally known
that he was in bad health year or so
ago, but under careful medical atten-
ton and tender nursing he so far reeov-
cred as to take his seat in the Senate at
the beginning of the present session,
and be has been in ks seat regularly
nearly ever since. Quite recently ne
has been taking more than usually an
active part in the measures beng dis-
cussed before the Senate, and It IS high
ly probable that over-exertion and ex-
citement induced his last sad fatal st
tack. His life and career are familiar 10
the country, and Jet had We time
and space we would refer to some
Of the more prominent events of his
life. He was one of the first and fore
most Abolitionists Of New England, and
has been perhaps the Ablest man IN the
ranks of his party. In the midst of
partisan strife be was alwsys firm, IN
Welding and often bitter and relentless.
Yet he stood far above the mere pohti-
clan. seeking Office for the sake Of office.
He rather sought place and political
rank for the sake Of the power il gave
him to carry OFT bis ideas of Humanity
and moral right. he was the highest
type Of scholar or statesman ever pro-
&c., = ne Abolition school, and won
the respect Of his enemies BY his
nAgnAninity in days Of sue
cess and his greatest renown. The
war be regarded as q necessity |
Of the times 10 exterminate what he re-
gsrded a. the greatest evil OF American
civilization. That being accomplished,
his prejudices became softened, and he !
promp,ly ayozed himself in favor Of 4
peace and a union founded upon frater-
nal gsod will, With an obliterstion Of all
traces Of the war, as far as practicable.
For this be was denounced by his party. |
who seemed to regard the war as grand
crusade Tor spOhstion and sectional az
grsndizemept. The Legislature Of his
own State censured him for his liberal
views. but more recently ex-
purged the offensive resolutions.
He was the sincere friend Of the
colored race from his standpoint and de-
Tended them from conviction Of what he
conceived to be right rather than hatred |
of the South or to gain political prefer. |
ment. OF late years he showed desire
to do justice to the South, and lifted
himself far above party prejudice and
party tactics. His last years we're his
best, and when his life is written and his
character better understood, Charles
Sumner will stand out not only as q most
conspicuous figure in our civil history,
but will be accredited with higher and
better motives than many of the parti-
sans by whom he has been surrounded.
A biographical sketch viii be in order
another day.