"But one power I do prize; that of being the advocate of my
countrymen here, and their fellow-labourers elsewhere, in those
things which concern the best interests of mankind. That power, I
know full well, no government can give--no change take away!"
His speech on negro slavery made a deep impression upon the country,
and rose towards its termination, gradually, but with ever-ascending
periods, to a close of absolute majesty:--
"I regard the freedom of the negro as accomplished and sure. Why?
Because it is his right--because he has shown himself fit for it;
because a pretext, or a shadow of a pretext, can no longer be
devised for withholding that right from its possessor. I know that
all men at this day take a part in the question, and they will no
longer bear to be imposed upon, now they are well informed. My
reliance is firm and unflinching upon the great change which I
have witnessed--the education of the people, unfettered by party
or by sect--witnessed from the beginning of its progress, I may
say from the hour of its birth! Yes! It was not for a humble man
like me to assist at royal births with the illustrious Prince who
condescended to grace the pageant of this opening session, or the
great captain and statesman in whose presence I am now proud to
speak.
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