LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE
ANNIVERSARY OF EMANCIPATION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, APRIL 16, 1873.
The long procession stopped before Mr. Sumner’s house, where one of
the bands played “Auld Lang Syne.” Arriving in front of the City
Hall of Washington, they were addressed by R. T. Greene, Esq., and
also by Hon. Frederick Douglass. Letters were read from President
Grant, Senators Anthony, Pratt, and Sumner, Hon.’s Horace Maynard,
B. F. Butler, A. G. Riddle, S. J. Bowen, N. G. Ordway, and A. M.
Clapp. Mr. Sumner’s letter was as follows:--
WASHINGTON, April 16, 1873.
DEAR SIR,--I regret that it is not in my power to be with you
according to the invitation with which you have honored me. This is a
day whose associations are as precious to me as to you.
Emancipation in the national capital was the experiment which
prepared the way for Emancipation everywhere throughout the country.
It was the beginning of the great end.
Here, as in other things, you are an example to our colored
fellow-citizens in the States. Your success here will vindicate the
capacity of colored people for citizenship, and your whole race will
be benefited thereby.
Let me speak frankly. Much has been done, but more remains to be
done. The great work is not yet accomplished. Until your equality
in civil rights is assured, the pillar of your citizenship is like
the column in honor of Washington,--unfinished and imperfect. There
is constant talk of finishing that column at great cost of money,
but the first thing to be done is to finish the pillar of your
citizenship. Here I shall gladly work; but I trust that you will all
work likewise, nor be content with anything less than the whole.
Accept my thanks and best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,