disfranchises 283,079
citizens, being more than a quarter of its whole 'people.' Thus
violating a distinctive principle of republican government, how can
this State be recognized as republican? This question is easier asked
than answered. But Tennessee is the least offensive on the list. There
is Virginia, which disfranchises 549,019 citizens, being more than a
third of its whole 'people.' There is Alabama, which disfranchises
436,030 citizens, being nearly one half of its whole 'people.' There
is Louisiana, which disfranchises 350,546 citizens, being one half of
its whole 'people.' There is Mississippi, which disfranchises 437,404
citizens, being much more than one half of its whole 'people.' And
there is South Carolina, which disfranchises 412,408 citizens, being
nearly two-thirds of its whole 'people.' A republic is a pyramid
standing on the broad mass of the people as a base; but here is a
pyramid balanced on its point. To call such a government 'republican'
is a mockery of sense and decency. A monarch, 'surrounded by
republican institutions,' which at one time was the boast of France,
would be less offensive to correct principles, and give more security
to human rights."

Of the Southern system of government he said: "It is essentially a
monopoly, in a country which sets its face against all monopolies as
unequal and immoral. If any monopoly deserves unhesitating judgment,
it must be that which absorbs the rights of others and engrosses
political power. How vain it is to condemn the petty monopolies of
commerce, and then allow this vast, all-embracing monopoly of human
rights."

Mr. Sumner maintained that the ballot was the great guarantee--"the
only sufficient guarantee--being in itself peacemaker, reconciler,
schoolmaster, and protector." The result of conferring suffrage upon
the negro will be, "The master will recognize the new citizen. The
slave will stand with tranquil self-respect in the presence of the
master. Brute force disappears. Distrust is at an end. The master is
no longer a tyrant. The freedman is no longer a dependent. The ballot
comes to him in his depression, and says, 'Use me and be elevated.' It
comes to him in his passion, and says, 'Use me and do not fight.' It
comes to him in his daily thoughts, filling him with the strength and
glory of manhood."

Most beneficent results, it was thought, would flow from such
legislation as that advocated by Mr. Sumner. "I see clearly," said he,
"that t