It is the pivot on which it turns. If preserved
in full vigor, and exercised with perfect integrity, every
branch will perform its duty."
I received a good many letters expressing approval of my
argument. Perhaps, without inordinate vanity, I may be permitted
to preserve those which follow. The approval of my honored
and beloved instructor, Judge Thomas, gave me special satisfaction.
I am led to publish these letters partly because I think
the opinion of the writers on the question is worth preserving
for future reference, but chiefly, I believe, from what I
hope will be deemed a pardonable vanity. Mr. Sumner, in
editing the thirteen volumes of his speeches, has given in
regard to all of them, letters from friends and correspondents,
expressing his approval. I do not suppose it would ever have
occurred to Daniel Webster to publish similar certificates
as to any speech or act of his.
FROM GEORGE S. BOUTWELL, GOVERNOR; SECRETARY OF THE
U. S. TREASURY; U. S. SENATOR, ETC., TO
JUDGE E. R. HOAR.
UNITED STATES SENATE,
WASHINGTON, May 8th, 1876.
_My dear Judge,_
It was the opinion of all who heard your brother's argument
in the Belknap case that it was the best of the arguments
yet given and that it will rank with the best at any time
delivered in the Senate.
Pages:
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652