Washington, Dec. 14,, 1849.
My Dear Sumner:
I thank you for your argument in defense of equality before the law1
for the colored people of Boston, in respect to public instruction. It is
something more than reason — it is reason inspired by the sentiment of
humanity. I take it for granted that it will be published in pamphlet form.
When so published I hope you will send me a number of copies. It will give me
real pleasure in aiding its circulation.
The papers show you the course of things here. Giddings, who
is himself a living pillar, says there is less doublefacery here than at any
former session. But the amount visible is disgusting. But for the presence of
the Spartan Boss of Free Democrats, I have no doubt the South would have
completely triumphed.
Yesterday was a day of great excitement. Discussion,
speeches, and arrays of clippings, as in a theatre, was the programme of the
Slaveholders, and for a time it frightened many Northern men. Judge Allen's
speech reassured some of them. His illustration of the slaveholding
demonstration by comparison with the arrangement of poor Goldsmith's friend to
give eclat to the production of its first play was exceedingly well timed. And
how admirably he exposed Winthrop. The political committees, he showed from W’s
own admissions and statements were constituted for action— the
Committees on the District, the Territories, and the Judiciary were constituted
for inaction.
It is impossible now to foresee how all will end. But we
hope the best. Certainly great advantages have been gained, and the Free
Soilers have made by every point so far.
Most Cordially yours,
[SALMON P. CHASE.]
_______________
1 This phrase so familiar to-day seems to have been
introduced into English by Sumner. It represents the French “Egalite devant la
loi.” “Equality before the law” is not denned nor is any example of its use
cited in the New English Dictionary edited by J. A. H. Murray and others. Cf.
Pierce's Sumner, Vol. III, p. 40.
SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical
Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 188-9
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