Charles Summer, His Complete Works

The selection of a Republican candidate for the Presidency gave rise to the customary discussion in the newspapers, in the course of which the New York Tribune, under date of June 6, 1856, expressed itself as follows. "The People's Convention, which assembles at Philadelphia on the 17th instant, will be called first to decide this question: Can the opponents of Slavery Extension elect whomsoever they may choose to nominate? If, on a careful comparison of views, this question can be confidently answered in the affirmative, we have next to consider who, by early, earnest, faithful, protracted, unswerving service to the cause, has done most for the triumph of Humanity and Impartial Freedom; and in that view but three names can be seriously considered, namely, those of William H. Seward, of New York, Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, and Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts. They are all capable, reliable, and deserving, and either of them would worthily fill the highest office in the Republic. We will not weigh their respective claims, but we shall support to the utmost of our ability whichever (if either) of them shall be nominated."