Page:Visit of the Hon. Carl Schurz to Boston, March 1881.pdf/66

Rh wrongs by every means in his power. But those of us who are familiar with his history scarcely needed any such evidence. Some things may be taken for granted—and one is that the man who has devoted his life to the cause of humanity, justice, and universal freedom will not suddenly change into a tyrant and oppressor.

Every man has a right to have his actions judged by his character and whole career.



 . Assembled as we are to do honor to a kindred spirit, our thoughts irresistibly turn to the great name and fame of Charles Sumner. I ask you to listen to his friend and biographer, Edward L. Pierce.

Among living statesmen, I know no one to whom I would more gladly pay a tribute of respect than to the honorable guest whom we now welcome. He has had the felicity to cover with his life a great period, and to fasten his name to it in both hemispheres. Fresh and vigorous he comes to us, his features still youthful, his locks not as yet silvered, and, as we believe, with opportunities and honors