here is nothing in the compass of mortal power so important to
them in every respect, morally, politically, and economically--that
there is nothing with such certain promise to them of beneficent
results--that there is nothing so sure to make their land smile with
industry and fertility as the decree of equal rights which I now
invoke. Let the decree go forth to cover them with blessings, sure to
descend upon their children in successive generations. They have given
us war; we give them peace. They have raged against us in the name of
slavery; we send them back the benediction of justice for all. They
menace hate; we offer in return all the sacred charities of country
together with oblivion of the past. This is our 'Measure for Measure.'
This is our retaliation. This is our only revenge."

The following was the closing paragraph of Mr. Sumner's speech: "The
Roman Cato, after declaring his belief in the immortality of the soul,
added, that if this were an error, it was an error which he loved. And
now, declaring my belief in liberty and equality as the God-given
birthright of all men, let me say, in the same spirit, if this be an
error, it is an error which I love; if this be a fault, it is a fault
which I shall be slow to renounce; if this be an illusion, it is an
illusion which I pray may wrap the world in its angelic arms."

On the seventh of February, the subject being again before the Senate,
Mr. Henderson, of Missouri, moved to strike out the constitutional
amendment proposed by the committee and insert the following:

"ARTICLE 14. No State, in prescribing the qualifications
requisite for electors therein, shall discriminate against
any person on account of color or race."

Mr. Fessenden made a speech in favor of the report of the committee,
and in reply to Mr. Sumner. Referring to the subject of constitutional
amendments, Mr. Fessenden said: "Something has been said, also, on
different occasions, with reference to a disposition that is said to
prevail now to amend the Constitution, and the forbearance of Congress
has been invoked with regard to that venerable and great instrument. I
believe that I have as much veneration for the Constitution as most
men, and I believe that I have as high an opinion of its wisdom; but,
sir, I probably have no better opinion of it than those who made it,
and it did not seem to them, as we learn from its very provisions,
that it was so perfect that no amendment what