THE QUALITIES THAT WIN

BY CHARLES SUMNER

Mr. President and Brothers of New England:--For the first time in my life I have the good fortune to enjoy this famous anniversary festival. Tho often honored by your most tempting invitation, and longing to celebrate the day in this goodly company of which all have heard so much, I could never excuse myself from duties in another place. If now I yield to well-known attractions, and journey from Washington for my first holiday during a protracted public service, it is because all was enhanced by the appeal of your excellent president, to whom I am bound by the friendship of many years in Boston, in New York, and in a foreign land. It is much to be a brother of New England, but it is more to be a friend, and this tie I have pleasure in confessing to-night.

It is with much doubt and humility that I venture to answer for the Senate of the United States, and I believe the least I say on this head will be the most prudent. But I shall be entirely safe in expressing my doubt if there is a single Senator who would not be glad of a seat at this generous banquet. What is the Senate? It is a component part of the National Government. But we celebrate to-day more than any component part of any government. We celebrate an epoch in the history of mankind--not only never to be forgotten, but to grow in grandeur as the world appreciates the elements of true greatness. Of mankind I say--for the landing on Plymouth Rock, on December 22, 1620, marks the origin of a new order of ages, which the whole human family will be elevated. Then and there was the great beginning.

Throughout all time, from the dawn of history, men have swarmed to found new homes in distant lands. The Tyrians, skirting Northern Africa, stopt at Carthage; Carthaginians dotted Spain and even the distant coasts of Britain and Ireland; Greeks gemmed Italy and Sicily with art-loving settlements; Rome carried multitudinous colonies with her conquering eagles. Saxons, Danes, and Normans violently mingled with the original Britons. And in modern times, Venice, Genoa, Portugal, Spain, France, and England, all sent forth emigrants to people foreign shores. But in these various expeditions, trade or war was the impelling motive. Too often commerce and conquest moved hand in hand, and the colony was incarnadined with blood.

On the day we celebrate, the sun for the first time in his course looked down upon a different scene, begun and continued under a different inspiration. A few conscientious Englishmen, in obedience to the monitor within, and that they might be free to worship God according to their own sense of duty, set sail for the unknown wilds of the North American continent. After a voyage of sixty-four days in the ship _Mayflower_, with Liberty at the prow and Conscience at the helm, they sighted the white sandbanks of Cape Cod, and soon thereafter in the small cabin framed that brief compact, forever memorable, which is the first written constitution of government in human history, and the very corner-stone of the American Republic; and then these Pilgrims landed.

This compact was not only foremost in time, it was also august in character, and worthy of perpetual example. Never before had the object of the "civil body public" been announced as "to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices from time to time as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony." How lofty! how true! Undoubtedly, these were the grandest words of government with the largest promise of any at that time uttered.

If more were needed to illustrate the new epoch, it would be found in the parting words of the venerable pastor, John Robinson, addrest to the Pilgrims, as they were about to sail from Delfshaven--words often quoted, yet never enough. How sweetly and beautifully he says: "And if God should reveal anything to you by any other instrument of his, be as ready to receive it as ever you were to receive any truth by my ministry; but I am confident that the Lord hath more light and truth yet to break forth out of his holy word." And then how justly the good preacher rebukes those who close their souls to truth! "The Lutherans, for example, can not be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw, and whatever part of God's will he hath further imparted to Calvin, they will rather die than embrace, and so the Calvinists stick where he left them. This is a misery much to be lamented, for tho they were precious, shining lights in their times, God hath not revealed his whole will to them." Beyond the merited rebuke, here is a plain recognition of the law of human progress little discerned at the time, which teaches the sure advance of the human family, and opens the vista of the ever-broadening, never-ending future on earth.

Our Pilgrims were few and poor. The whole outfit of this historic voyage, including L1,700 of trading stock, was only L2,400, and how little was required for their succor appears in the experience of the soldier Captain Miles Standish, who, being sent to England for assistance--not military, but financial--(God save the mark!) succeeded in borrowing--how much do you suppose?--L150 sterling. Something in the way of help; and the historian adds, "tho at fifty per cent. interest." So much for a valiant soldier on a financial expedition. A later agent, Allerton, was able to borrow for the colony L200 at a reduced interest of thirty per cent. Plainly, the money-sharks of our day may trace an undoubted pedigree to these London merchants. But I know not if any son of New England, opprest by exorbitant interest, will be consoled by the thought that the Pilgrims paid the same.

And yet this small people--so obscure and outcast in condition--so slender in numbers and in means--so entirely unknown to the proud and great--so absolutely without name in contemporary records--whose departure from the Old World took little more than the breath of their bodies--are now illustrious beyond the lot of men; and the _Mayflower_ is immortal beyond the Grecian _Argo_, or the stately ship of any victorious admiral. Tho this was little foreseen in their day, it is plain now how it has come to pass. The highest greatness surviving time and storm is that which proceeds from the soul of man. Monarchs and cabinets, generals and admirals, with the pomp of courts and the circumstance of war, in the gradual lapse of time disappear from sight; but the pioneers of truth, tho poor and lowly, especially those whose example elevates human nature and teaches the rights of man, so that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth, such harbingers can never be forgotten, and their renown spreads co-extensive with the cause they served.

I know not if any whom I now have the honor of addressing have thought to recall the great in rank and power filling the gaze of the world as the _Mayflower_ with her company fared forth on their adventurous voyage. The foolish James was yet on the English throne, glorying that he had "peppered the Puritans." The morose Louis XIII, through whom Richelieu ruled, was King of France. The imbecile Philip III swayed Spain and the Indies. The persecuting Ferdinand the Second, tormentor of Protestants, was Emperor of Germany. Paul V, of the House of Borghese, was Pope of Rome. In the same princely company and all contemporaries were Christian IV, King of Denmark, and his son Christian, Prince of Norway; Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden; Sigmund the Third, King of Poland; Frederick, King of Bohemia, with his wife, the unhappy Elizabeth of England, progenitor of the House of Hanover; George William, Margrave of Brandenburg, and ancestor of the Prussian house that has given an emperor to Germany; Maximilian, Duke of Bavaria; Maurice, landgrave of Hesse; Christian, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg; John Frederick, Duke of Wuertemberg and Teck; John, Count of Nassau; Henry, Duke of Lorraine; Isabella, Infanta of Spain and ruler of the Low Countries; Maurice, fourth Prince of Orange; Charles Emanuel, Duke of Savoy and ancestor of the King of United Italy; Cosmo de Medici, third Grand Duke of Florence; Antonio Priuli, ninety-third Doge of Venice, just after the terrible tragedy commemorated on the English stage as "Venice Preserved"; Bethlehem Gabor, Prince of Unitarian Transylvania, and elected King of Hungary, with the countenance of an African; and the Sultan Mustapha, of Constantinople, twentieth ruler of the Turks.

Such at that time were the crowned sovereigns of Europe, whose names were mentioned always with awe, and whose countenances are handed down by art, so that at this day they are visible to the curious as if they walked these streets. Mark now the contrast. There was no artist for our forefathers, nor are their countenances now known to men; but more than any powerful contemporaries at whose tread the earth trembled is their memory sacred. Pope, emperor, king, sultan, grand-duke, duke, doge, margrave, landgrave, count--what are they all by the side of the humble company that landed on Plymouth Rock? Theirs indeed, were the ensigns of worldly power, but our Pilgrims had in themselves that inborn virtue which was more than all else besides, and their landing was an epoch.

Who in the imposing troop of worldly grandeur is now remembered but with indifference or contempt? If I except Gustavus Adolphus, it is because he revealed a superior character. Confront the _Mayflower_ and the Pilgrims with the potentates who occupied such space in the world. The former are ascending into the firmament, there to shine forever, while the latter have been long dropping into the darkness of oblivion, to be brought forth only to point a moral or illustrate the fame of contemporaries whom they regarded not. Do I err in supposing this an illustration of the supremacy which belongs to the triumphs of the moral nature? At first impeded or postponed, they at last prevail. Theirs is a brightness which, breaking through all clouds, will shine forth with ever-increasing splendor. I have often thought that if I were a preacher, if I had the honor to occupy the pulpit so grandly filled by my friend near me, one of my sermons should be from the text, "A little leaven shall leaven the whole lump." Nor do I know a better illustration of these words than the influence exerted by our Pilgrims. That small band, with the lesson of self-sacrifice, of just and equal laws, of the government of a majority, of unshrinking loyalty to principle, is now leavening this whole continent, and in the fulness of time will leaven the world. By their example, republican institutions have been commended, and in proportion as we imitate them will these institutions be assured.

Liberty, which we so much covet, is not a solitary plant. Always by its side is justice. But Justice is nothing but right applied to human affairs. Do not forget, I entreat you, that with the highest morality is the highest liberty. A great poet, in one of his inspired sonnets, speaking of his priceless possession, has said, "But who loves that must first be wise and good." Therefore do Pilgrims in their beautiful example teach liberty, teach republican institutions, as at an earlier day, Socrates and Plato, in their lessons of wisdom, taught liberty and helped the idea of the republic. If republican government has thus far failed in any experiment, as, perhaps, somewhere in Spanish America, it is because these lessons have been wanting. There have been no Pilgrims to teach the moral law.

Mr. President, with these thoughts, which I imperfectly express, I confess my obligations to the forefathers of New England, and offer to them the homage of a grateful heart. But not in thanksgiving only would I celebrate their memory. I would if I could make their example a universal lesson, and stamp it upon the land. The conscience which directed them should be the guide for our public councils. The just and equal laws which they required should be ordained by us, and the hospitality to truth which was their rule should be ours. Nor would I forget their courage and stedfastness. Had they turned back or wavered, I know not what would have been the record of this continent, but I see clearly that a great example would have been lost. Had Columbus yielded to his mutinous crew and returned to Spain without his great discovery; had Washington shrunk away disheartened by British power and the snows of New Jersey, these great instances would have been wanting for the encouragement of men. But our Pilgrims belong to the same heroic company, and their example is not less precious.

Only a short time after the landing on Plymouth Rock, the great republican poet, John Milton, wrote his "Comus," so wonderful for beauty and truth. His nature was more refined than that of the Pilgrims, and yet it requires little effort of imagination to catch from one of them, or at least from their beloved pastor, the exquisite, almost angelic words at the close--

     "Mortals, who would follow me,
     Love Virtue; she alone is free;
     She can teach ye how to climb
     Higher than the sphery chime.
     Or if Virtue feeble were,
     Heaven itself would stoop to her."

Speeches (updated daily):

Foley Interest In Pages Seen In Speeches
Former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., told House pages in warm farewell speeches over the years that he took "a special interest in each and every one" of them, identifying many of the youngsters by name and thanking them for their service.

Restaurant With Everything in Suffolk County New York
A small 14-table NYC style restaurant. Near popular entertainment spot. Perfect for before or after dinner or desserts! A large repeat customer base. Serving fine wines and food for lunch and dinner. Plenty of room for growth!

40th birthday invitations free printable
ltbgtBrothers 18th21st birthday party speeches toasts and poems - BY birthday by a brother or sister and 3 speeches and 3 poems for an 18th21st

American Speeches: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln to Bill Clinton -
11/26, 11am-12:15 - American Speeches: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln to Bill Clinton -

Best Film Speeches and Monologues
http://www.filmsite.org/bestspeeches1.htmlFilm speeches are normally delivered orally and directed at an audience of three or more people, although there can be exceptions. They are usually persuasive-type speeches, either designed to promote or to dissuade, and they are highly quotable. ...Blockbuster Video (in the UK) held a series of polls in late 2003 with its customers to determine the 20 Greatest Film Speeches and Monologues in cinematic history...Although there were some excellent choices in their poll, the results almost completely ignored early films, and entirely disregarded films with speeches made by female characters. Greatest Films has provided this expanded listing of Best Film Speeches and Monologues here of deserving, best film monologues and speeches. Via Cynical-C Blog.

Free Online Personal Journal Diary
Completely unfounded. our demise are any speculations about Table after dinner and everyone the search results at the had a blast. One time activation fee of 49. they charge a

Climate funds stripped after dinner show
The federal government has withdrawn funding for a major forum on climate change after the burlesque entertainment during a closing dinner proved too hot for some guests.

When we met in Dr. Seward's study two hours after dinner
MINA HARKER'S JOURNAL 30 September.--When we met in Dr. Seward's study two hours after dinner, which had been at six o'clock, we unconsciously formed a sort of board or committee.  Professor Van Helsing took the head of the table, to which Dr. Seward motioned him as he came into the room.  He made me ...

Jennifer and Daniel. We went down ...
Jennifer and Daniel. We went down to the Sunken Gardens on Friday evening after dinner. First visit since it opened after remodeling.

A Pilot After Dinner Speaker - Help!
I heard a tape once about 12 years ago of a ex BA pilot doing a after dinner speech and I nearly pis**ed myself laughing. I think it was called "What goes up, comes down normally". The bloke was, I...

President visits city university
The president will give an after dinner speech at the university The president of Trinidad and Tobago is visiting The University of Manchester to help it mark the 50th anniversary of its chemical engineering ...

Celebrity Model Management - CMM, Maidenhead
Celebrity Endorsement Agency & Keynote Speaker Agents. CMM Service The UK PR Marketing Advertising Industry With Celebrities After Dinner Speakers Political Motivational & Business Speakers

After Dinner Speaking, Hero Or Coward?
During my time as Chairman of Forum, the Public Speaking Group of the Australian Institute of Management, I have often been asked about speaking after dinner. Before I discuss this opportunity, I wan...

International Cruise Lines Association
After dinner, a moonlit walk on the open deck passengers have a choice of delightful culinary selections and is sure to arouse the romance in you Portal 1 half price shopping Del fuego on tierra charles darwin,

Good Wedding Speeches Can Add To Wedding Festivities
How can there be a wedding without wedding speeches? The bride's father is the first to do the honors, followed by the groom and then by the Best Man. At some weddings even the maid of Honor may be asked to speak a few words. The guests wait for the speeches to end before heading for the bar, and joining the celebrations. It is not that wedding speeches are not fun....

A Testament of Hope : The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Testament of Hope : The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King (Sales Rank: 5874, as of 11/23/2006 1:57:26 AM)

Neighbors show up in force to make their streets safer
They chanted. They made speeches. They brainstormed. They prayed. And they pledged to nurture their efforts and keep them going.Comment

Organizers of Pulse festival stress fitness can be fun
Every evening after dinner, the people at Dr. John Harvey Kellogg's sanitarium would walk together on top of the building in time with music.

Midstate Datebook: Singer/songwriter to perform at singles dinner (Tennessean)
What: One With Another Singles Dinner. Who: Local singer/songwriter Dianne Ticknor will perform after dinner. When: 6 p.m. lyrics music Travel news

Extraordinary Education for Ordinary People:
Endowment Lecture, 2005 Speeches delivered by Sir John Daniel, President & CEO, Commonwealth of Learning, Vancouver,Canada at NSOU

American Speeches: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln to Bill Clinton -
11/26, 2pm-3:15 - American Speeches: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln to Bill Clinton -

dated October 25, 1956: `Diet of speeches'
The Prime Minister, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, said in New Delhi on October 23 that it was not a good thing to serve a "diet of speeches' at every public function and reception. Inaugurating the third Inter-University Youth Festival, he said that the ...