Year: 1861




Charles Sumner delivered an eloquent adj
dress at the Massachusetts, Republican Con-
vention, held last week. He reviewed the
origin and progress Of the rebellion, de-
nounced the traitors in strong terms, TO-
sisted upon the duty Of loyal citizens to up.
hold the Government and spoke in favor
of a general emancipation of the slaves, as
follows


Massachusetts, will be false to herself if she
fails at this moment. And yet would not
be misunderstood. Feeling most profoundly
that there is now an opportunity, such as
rarely occurs in human annals, for incalcula-
BILE good-seeing clearly that there is one
spot, like the heel of Archilles, where this
great rebellion may be wounded to desth--I
calmly deliver the whole question to the
judgment of those on whom the responsible
ity rests, coDtenting myself with reminding
you that there are times when not TO act
carries with it greater responsibility than to
act. II is enough for us to review the uu-
questioned power of the Government to
handle for moment its mighty weapons,
which are yet allowed to slumber, without
assuming to declare that the hour has come
when they shall flash against the sky.
But may a good Providence save our Gov
ernment from that everlasting regret which
must eDsue If great opportunity is lost by
| which all the bleeding wounds of war shall
| be staunched-by which prosperity shall be
| again established, and peace be linked
| forever with liberty. Saul was cursed for
not hewiDg Agag in pieces when in his
hands, and Ahab was cursed for not destroy
ing Benhadsd. Let no such curses ever de-
scend upon our Government.


$50 many slaves, so many enemiesP Un-
less this ancient proverb has ceased to be
true, there are now four millions of enemies
| intermingled with the rebels being four
millions of allies to the National Govern
ment. Can we afford to reject this natural
alliance, inspired by common interest, and
consecrated by humanity? There is another
motive to such an alliance which can not be
| forgotten Without it insuIrection will be
inevitable, and when it comes it will be wild
and lawless This should be prevented, if
possible. But if liberty does not come from
| the tranquil and benefcent action of the
GoveTnmenC it wilt come in blood amid the
confusion of families. All this was foreseen
by the Emperor of Russia, when, on the 2lst
of September, 1853, he called upon his mobiles
to unite with him in emancipation, (which,
he nobly declared, fought to begin from
from below" and now, this very year
twenty millions of Russian serfs have peace
fully passed out of the house OF bondage
Cheered by this great example, let US moi
forget that it began from above.


There is another practical advantage where
the action proceeds from the Government
The interests of loyal citizens can be pro
tected. Compensation may relieve the
hardships of individual cases. nor can OBJ
ject. Never should any question Of money
he allowed to interfere with human freedom
Better an empty treasury than a single slave
A bridge OF gold would be cheap if demanded
by the retreating fend


Fellow-c citizens: have spoken frankly
for such has always been my habit. Ant
never was there greater need of frankness
Let patriots understand each other and they
can not widely differ. All will unite in suS
tanning the Government and in driving bacl
the rebels. But this can not be done by an,
. half way measures or by any lukewarm con
| duct. Do not hearken to the voice of slavery


no matter what its tones of persuasion. BE-
lieve me, its friendship is more deadly tina
. its enmity. If you are wise, prudent, con
servative, practical, you will strike quic
, and hard-strike, too, where the blow vii
, be most felt-strike at the main. spring Q


the rebellion. Strike in the name of th


Union, which only in this way eau be re


stored-in the name of peace, which is val
J without Union, and in the name of liberty
} also, which will bring both peace and Unio
| in her plOriOus train