Mr. Sumner’s speech was extensively circulated, and awakened
much attention. The response of the country will be seen in
the contemporary press and in letters addressed to him, which,
while illustrating the speech, reflect light on the times.
* * * * *
The Washington correspondents concurred in accounts of the
speech, and of the interest it created.
Henry C. Bowen, proprietor of the New York _Independent_, then
on a visit to Washington, wrote to his paper of the first day
of the speech:--
“SENATE CHAMBER,
Monday Afternoon.
“Whatever may be said in regard to the political opinions
of Hon. Charles Sumner, no one can deny his eminent ability
as an orator and scholar, and to-day this world-renowned
friend of the poor and the oppressed is speaking in the
Senate,--I had almost said as orator and scholar never
spoke before. His theme is the Rights of Man. The floor
and galleries of the Senate Chamber are crowded with most
attentive listeners, and such a spectacle as it is now my
unspeakable privilege to witness is worthy of a thousand
miles’ journey.… Never before have I heard in these
halls such solemn appeals, never such noble and eloquent
utterances. May the great Author of truth and justice
continue to inspire the great Senator now speaking to do
His will to the glory of His name!”