I do not dwell on precedents; for Senators willing to entertain this
proposition can have little regard for any precedents in favor of
Human Rights. I content myself with saying, that never before has this
assault on Human Rights been made,--that petitions from colored persons
have been often presented and refused, precisely as other petitions.
Here, for example, is an instance on the Journals of the Senate:--
“Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of Ontario County,
New York, praying that the army may be disbanded, and its
services hereafter dispensed with; _a petition of male and
female colored inhabitants of Boston, Massachusetts_, praying
that colored men may be employed in transporting the mails, and
enrolled in the militia; _and a petition of male and female
colored inhabitants of Boston, Massachusetts_, protesting
against the enactment of a law for the recovery of fugitive
slaves.”[152]
But I have said enough. Most earnestly and sincerely do I protest
against this attempt, on three grounds: _first_, because, being
essentially barbarous in character, it must be utterly shameful to
a government boasting Christianity and professing Civilization;
_secondly_, because it is a flagrant violation of the constitutional
rights of more than half a million of American people; and, _thirdly_,
because, in the present case, it is an insult to the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, where these petitioners reside in the free enjoyment
of all the rights of citizens,--among others, of voting for Members
of Congress. I am unwilling to weaken this argument for Human Rights
by any appeal to State Rights; but I cannot fail to observe that this
proposition, which tramples down State Rights in order to assail Human
Rights, proceeds from a Senator [Mr. MASON] who always avows himself
the defender of State Rights.
For myself, Sir, my course is plain. Whatever may be the action of the
Senate, I shall continue to present such petitions. And permit me to
say, that I should be little worthy of the place I now hold, if, at any
time hereafter, receiving such petitions, I hesitate in the discharge
of this sacred duty.