SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON A JOINT RESOLUTION GIVING THE THANKS OF
CONGRESS TO GEORGE PEABODY, MARCH 8, 1867.
March 5th, Mr. Sumner asked, and by unanimous consent obtained,
leave to bring in the following joint resolution, which was
read twice and ordered to be printed.
“JOINT RESOLUTION presenting the thanks of Congress to
George Peabody.
“_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled_, That
the thanks of Congress be, and they hereby are, presented
to George Peabody, of Massachusetts, for his great and
peculiar beneficence in giving a large sum of money,
amounting to two million dollars, for the promotion of
education in the more destitute portions of the Southern
and Southwestern States, the benefits of which, according
to his direction, are to be distributed among the entire
population, without any distinction, except what may be
found in needs or opportunities of usefulness.
“SEC. 2. _And be it further enacted_, That it shall be the
duty of the President to cause a gold medal to be struck,
with suitable devices and inscriptions, which, together
with a copy of this resolution, shall be presented to Mr.
Peabody in the name of the people of the United States.”
March 8th, on motion of Mr. Sumner, the joint resolution was
taken up for consideration, when the latter said:--
MR. PRESIDENT,--I hope sincerely that there can be no question on this
resolution. It expresses the thanks of Congress for an act great in
itself, and also great as an example.
I recall no instance in history where a private person during life
has bestowed so large a sum in charity. Few after death have done so
much. The bequest of Smithson, which Congress accepted with honor, and
made the foundation of the institution bearing his name and receiving
our annual care, was much less than the donation of Mr. Peabody for
purposes of education in the South and Southwestern States, to be
distributed among the whole population, without any distinction other
than needs or opportunities of usefulness to them.
I hail this benefaction as of especial value now: first, as a
contribution to education, which is a sacred cause never to be
forgotten in a republic; secondly, as a charity to a distressed part
of our country which needs the help of education; and, thirdly, as an
endowment for the equal benefit of all, without distinction of caste.
As it is much in itself, so I cannot but think it will be most fruitful
as an example. Individuals and communities will be moved to do more
in the same direction, and impartial education may be added to recent
triumphs.
I am not led to consider the difference between the widow’s mite and
the rich man’s endowment, except to remark, that, when a charity is
so large as to become historic, it is necessarily taken out of the
category of common life. Standing apart by itself, it challenges
attention and fills the mind, receiving homage and gratitude. Such, I
am sure, has been the prevailing sentiment of our country toward Mr.
Peabody. In voting this resolution, Congress will only give expression
to the popular voice.
I should be sorry to have it understood that the thanks of Congress
can be won only in war. Peace also has victories deserving honor. A
public benefactor is a conqueror in the perpetual conflict with evil.
He, too, meets the enemy face to face. Let him also have the reward of
victory.
Already in England our benefactor has signalized himself by a generous
endowment of the poor. The sum he gave was large, but not so large
as he has given for education in our country. The sentiments of the
British people found expression through the Queen, who honored him with
a valuable present, her own portrait, and an autograph letter declaring
her grateful sense of his beneficence. Kindred sentiments may justly
find expression through Congress, which is empowered to write the
autograph of the American people.
If it be said that such a vote is without precedent, I reply that this
is a mistake. You voted thanks to Mr. Vanderbilt for the present of a
steamer, and to Mr. Field for generous enterprise in establishing the
telegraphic cable between the two continents. But even if there were
no precedent, then, do I say, make a precedent. Your vote will be less
unprecedented than his generosity.
At this moment, when we are engaged in the work of Reconstruction,
this endowment for education in the Southern and Southwestern States
is most timely. Education is the foundation-stone of that Republican
Government we seek to establish. On this account, also, I would honor
the benefactor.
I have not asked a reference to a committee, because it seemed that
the resolution was of such a character that the Senate would be glad
to act upon it directly. The thanks we offer will be of more value, if
promptly offered.
The joint resolution was adopted by the Senate,--Yeas 36, Nays
2. March 13th it passed the House unanimously, was approved by
the President, and became a law.[94]