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Constitution, repeal this enactment, totally and without delay. Be inspired by the example of Washington. Be admonished by those words of Oriental piety — "Beware of the groans of the wounded souls. Oppress not to the utmost a single heart; for a solitary sigh has power to overset a whole world."

TRIBUTE TO MR. DOWNING.

SPEECH IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, 26TH AUGUST, 1852,

IN FAVOR OF AN ALLOWANCE TO THE WIDOW OF THE LATE ANDREW J. DOWNING.

The Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation Bill being under consideration, Mr. Pearce, of Maryland, under instructions from the Committee on Finance, moved the following amendment:

"For the payment of the arrears of salary due to the late Rural Architect, A. J. Downing, from the first of May, 1852, to the date of his death, and a further allowance to his widow, equal to the salary for one year, $2,500; Provided, that the said sum shall be in full of all claim for the services of the said deceased, and for all models, specifications and drawings designed for the benefit of the United States, which are not in its possession."

In the course of the debate which ensued, Mr. Sumner spoke as follows:

MR. SUMNER. worthy of his hire; and I believe at this moment there is no question of charity to the widow of the late Mr. Downing. The simple proposition is to make compensation for services rendered to the United States by this eminent artist as superintendent of the public grounds in Washington. And, since the plans he has left behind and the impulses he has given to improvements here by his incomparable genius will continue to

- Mr. President: The laborer is

benefit us, though he has been removed, it is thought reasonable to continue his salary to the close of the unexpired year from which it commenced. These plans alone have been valued at five thousand dollars, and we are to have the advantage of them. In pursuance of these, his successor will be able to proceed in arranging the public grounds, and in embellishing the national capital, without any further expenditure to procure others instead. Thus, as I said at the outset, it is not a question of charity, but of compensation; and on this ground I submit that the estate of the departed artist deserves the small pittance which it is proposed to supply. For myself, I should be much happier to vote for a larger appropriation, believing that, over and above the services actually rendered in the discharge of his duties, these plans are amply worth it, and that we shall all feel better by such a recognition of our debt.

Few men in the public service have vindicated a title to regard above Mr. Downing. At the age of thirty-seven he has passed away, " dead ere his prime — like Lycidas, also, "stretched on a watery bier" leaving behind a reputation above that of any other citizen in the beautiful department of art to which he was devoted. His labors and his example cannot be forgotten. I know of no man among us, in any sphere of life, so young as he was at his death, who has been able to perform services of such true, simple and lasting beneficence. By his wide and active superintendence of rural improvements, by his labors of the pen, and by the various exercise of his genius, he has contributed essentially to the sum of human happiness. And now, sir, by practical services here in Washington,

rendered at the call of his country, he has earned, it seems to me, this small appropriation not as a charity to his desolate widow, but as a compensation for labor done. I hope the amendment will be agreed

to.

THE PARTY OF FREEDOM; ITS NECESSITY AND PRACTICABILITY.

SPEECH AT THE STATE CONVENTION OF THE FREE SOIL PARTY OF

MASSACHUSETTS, HELD AT LOWELL, 16TH SEPTEMBER, 1852.

The President [Hon. STEPHEN C. PHILLIPS] remarked that there was one gentleman present whom the Convention would all delight to hear; he alluded to our distinguished Senator in Congress, Hon. Charles Sumner.

The name of Mr. Sumner was received with "three times three" rousing cheers, and the waving of hats, canes, handkerchiefs, &c., which demonstrations of regard were renewed as he made his appearance on the platform. The enthusiasm having in a degree subsided, he stepped forward and said : *

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MR. PRESIDENT AND FELLOW-CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS:-I should be dull indeed dull as a weed — were I insensible to this generous, overflowing, heart-speaking welcome. After an absence of many months, I have now come home, to breathe anew this invigorating Northern air (applause), to tread again the free soil of our native Massachusetts (cheers), and to enjoy the sympathy of friends and fellow-citizens. (Renewed applause.) But, while glad in your greetings, thus bounteously lavished, I cannot accept them for myself. I do not deserve them. They belong to

* This report is copied from the newspapers of the time.

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