SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TERRITORIES,
MARCH 12, 1856.
The terrible strife which began with the Kansas and Nebraska
Bill was at its height during the winter. Freedom and Slavery
were at a death-grapple in the Territory. Organized bands
proceeded from the South, which were encountered by peaceful
emigration from the North. The whole country was aroused.
South and North were in a flame. On the one side there was a
persistent effort to subject the Territory to Slavery; on the
other side an equally persistent effort to save it to Freedom.
At this stage, Mr. Douglas, from the Committee on Territories,
presented a very long Report, purporting to be on the affairs
of Kansas, where everything was represented unfavorably to
the Northern emigrants, and especially to the Emigrant Aid
Society of Massachusetts. This Report was read at the desk by
its author, a course to which the Senate was not accustomed.
Mr. Collamer presented a Minority Report, which he read at the
desk also. As soon as the reading was over, Mr. Sumner took the
floor and made the following remarks.
MR. PRESIDENT,--In those two reports the whole subject is presented
characteristically on both sides. In the report of the majority the
true issue is smothered; in that of the minority the true issue stands
forth as a pillar of fire to guide the country. The first proceeds from
four Senators; but against it I fearlessly put that report signed by
a single Senator [Mr. Collamer], to whom I offer my thanks for this
service. Let the two go abroad together. Error is harmless, while
reason is left free to combat it.
I have no desire to precipitate the debate on this important question,
under which the country already shakes from side to side, and which
threatens to scatter from its folds civil war. Nor, indeed, am I
disposed to enter upon it, until I have the opportunity of seeing in
print the elaborate documents which have been read to-day. But I cannot
allow the subject to pass away, even for this hour, without repelling
at once, distinctly and unequivocally, the assault which has been made
upon the Emigrant Aid Company of Massachusetts. That Company has done
nothing for which it can be condemned under the laws and Constitution
of the land. These it has not offended in letter or spirit,--not in
the slightest letter, nor in the remotest spirit. It is true, it has
sent men to Kansas; and had it not a right to send them? It is true, I
trust, that its agents love Freedom and hate Slavery; and have they not
a right to do so? Their offence has this extent, and no more. Sir, to
the whole arraignment of that Company, in the report of the Committee
on Territories, I now for them plead, “Not guilty!” and confidently
appeal to the country for that honorable acquittal which is due to
their patriot services.
The outrages in Kansas are vindicated or extenuated by the alleged
misconduct of the Emigrant Aid Company. Very well, Sir; a bad cause is
naturally staked on untenable ground. You cannot show the misconduct.
Any such allegation will fail. And you now begin your game with loaded
dice.