Constitution contains an article pointing out how at any time
amendments may be made thereto. This is an important article,
giving to the Constitution a progressive character, and allowing
it to be moulded to suit new exigencies and new conditions of
feeling. The wise framers of this instrument did not treat the
country as a Chinese foot, never to grow after its infancy, but
anticipated the changes incident to its growth."

He proposed to the Whigs as their rallying watchword, the "REPEAL OF
SLAVERY UNDER THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT."
Discussing the methods, he continued:--

"The time has passed when this can be opposed on constitutional
grounds. It will not be questioned by any competent authority
that Congress may by express legislation abolish slavery, first,
in the District of Columbia; second, in the territories, if there
should be any; third, that it may abolish the slave-trade on the
high seas between the States; fourth, that it may refuse to admit
any new State with a constitution sanctioning slavery. Nor can it
be doubted that the people of the free States may, in the manner
pointed out by the Constitution, proceed to its amendment."

Thus did Charles Sumner lay down a platform for a _Political Abolition
Party_, and of such a party he became the laurelled champion and
leader.

The year 1846 was marked by the most bitter political discussion;
Garrison the _Agitator_, the Mexican war, and other issues had greatly
exercised the people. At a meeting held in Tremont Temple, Boston, on
the 5th of November, 1846, Mr. Sumner took occasion to give his
reasons for bolting the nominee of the Whig party for Congress, Mr.
Winthrop.[16] Mr. Sumner said that he had never heard Mr. Winthrop's
voice raised for the slave; and that, judging from the past, he never
expected to hear it. "Will he oppose," asked Mr. Sumner, "at all
times, without compromise, any further addition of slave-holding
States? Here, again, if we judge him by the past, he is wanting. None
can forget that in 1845, on the 4th of July, a day ever sacred to
memories of freedom, in a speech at Faneuil Hall, he volunteered, in
advance of any other Northern Whig, to receive Texas with a welcome
into the family of States, although on that very day she was preparing
a constitution placing slavery beyond the reach of Legislative
change."[17]

Here, then, was