In the debate which ensued, Mr. Sumner said:—
MR. PRESIDENT,—Exceptional crimes require exceptional remedies. Here is an exceptional crime,—one of the most atrocious in the history of any country. There must be a remedy commensurate with the crime. And, Sir, the remedy, in order to be anything but a name, should be swift. It cannot wait the slow ceremony of ordinary proceedings. It must have promptitude such as can be imparted by the proposition now under consideration. I thank the Senator from Iowa for bringing it forward. Let us vote upon it, put it on its passage, speed it on its way; for only by doing so can we wash our hands of this blood.
The resolution was adopted without a division.
THE LATE HON. EDWARD EVERETT.
Telegraphic Despatch to Joint Committee of the Legislature of Massachusetts, January 16, 1865.
Boston, January 16, 1865.
To Hon. Charles Sumner.