“What else can Massachusetts do for the good of the country?
“Mr. Buchanan. A great deal. No State more.
“Mr. Sumner. I should like to know what.
“Mr. Buchanan (after a pause). Adopt the Crittenden propositions.
“Mr. Sumner. Is that necessary?
“Mr. Buchanan. It is.
“Mr. Sumner. Massachusetts has not acted directly on these propositions, which seek to give Slavery Constitutional protection in Territories, and disfranchise large numbers of her citizens; but I believe such are the convictions of the Massachusetts people that they would never consent to any such thing.
“Mr. Sumner repeated his assurance in the strongest language.
“The President said he felt discouraged by the reply.
“Mr. Sumner spoke of the common ground where all who truly loved the country could stand. It was the Constitution as administered by Washington. The verdict of the people last November should be recognized without price or condition.