Year: 1862

: ! 49, ''N N''~' Af'-NNJ NtASh VH9 N'bNNN'


within the precinct OF our own nationa


capitol, it will nevertheless remain, tho


dnsanctioned, upon its character.


cannot recall the facts connected will


that heinous crime without feelings ot


sorrow and regret. A crime Of greater


magnitude and far more fatal results,


might have been perpetrated in the quiet
neighborhood or bustlins city, on the ra-
gin6 sea or rolling ocean, and time would


have erased it iroUl the remembrance ol
all. But not so with the brutal treat
ment received by the Hon. Charles Sum
ner from one since met by his last and in
yincible foe.


Let Us, without prejudice, and without
choice of party or position, recall some of
the facts connected with the act and Judge
Of its nature. Among the most impor-
tant questions to be considered by Con
gress was that relating to the extension
Of slavery into territory then free and
under the direct control of the Constitu-
ton OF the United States. There were
those in that assembly who advocated the
Constitutional existence Of slavery, dis
putting at the same time the power OF
Congress to avert its progress and pre-
vent is establishment in territory subject
to the ldrS of Congress. Others, differ
ing in sentiment, portrayed not only the
evils Of slavery rs itthen existed, but the
greater evil OF permitting it TO spread in
power and widen in influence. Among
the former was a representative from
South Carolina, doubtless true advocate
of the principles of his party and constit.
uents. Among the latter was one from
Massachusetts who simply differed in view
of the same subject Each eager to wit
ness the triumph of his position, employ
ed the usual means to that end. But at
last legitimate effort on the part of one
called forth the indignation of the other.
Unable to cope with his opponent in any
laudable manner, the South CaroliniaE
determined to conquer, cowardIy APP
preached his adverse, y, not to demand Il
retraction or confession of wrong, but
with weapon in hand, commenced bru-
tai and meditated attack upon the person
of his victim. 1t is needless to reiterate
the cruelty and brutality of that treat
ment, but more important and interesting
to follow each individual in connection
with the result. The wounded man was
conveyed to his bedcbamber in state Of
insensibility. Medical aid was soon pro-
cured, and he pronounced to be in a very
critical condition. Weeks and month.
passed away while many we're doubling
his recovery, At length he gradually /
strengthened and revived slowly but
surely the effects OF his lI,reatment pass
ed away, and he is now no less an honest |
politician true philanthropist and cham
pion Of liberty than when those word,
were falling from his lips which caused
his misfortune.


His adversary, the victor, having no.
bly, conquered, expressed his satisfaction
in various ways. Tie congra,ulation of
friends, the daily reception of memorial.
as trophies of his noble conduct, served
for time to counteract the remorse of
and indignation of others. He
avoided the notice Of the law save a
Slight penalty imposed upon him in th-
form of fine, though more than doubly |
met by his friends. Seemingly, he was
the most signal triumph ever
achieved in political contest. Surround
I'd by friends, he fourshed for time.





and having evadcd the foil penalty Of the
human law, he little thought the law of
God yet remained to be considered
But alas, too common error! Not only
had the rights and liberties of man been
and trampled under foot, but
ihe commands of the most Most High
repudiated one Of the noblest blessings
bestowed upon mankind treated with the
utmost contempt. And do we wonder,
after the perpetration of crime so ma
licious, the once prosperous man was sud
denly destroyed? Do we wonder that
he died unlike his fellow men BY the
Avenger of all he was snatched away
as unforewarned as was the victim of his
rage when the attack was made upon
him. In the full possession of bodily
strength, he was Frustrated upon his
death bed, and though attended by the
faithful hand that dressed the wounds of
his victim, all effort and skill were baf-
fled. He died speechless he uttered
not a word. That very night, the God
given boon, which be sought to crush, he
could not enjoy. The blow. with react
ing force fell upon bis own head. "Sure-
Iy his mischief fell upon his own head,