“The American citizen” who first brought the most important point in the French Arms case[1] to Sumner's and my attention was Senator Patterson. At the time when Sumner's resolutions were under discussion, his name was not mentioned because he had not authorized it. But in the course of proceedings he came forward himself. You will find reference to that matter in my speech of May 31, 1872, reviewing the whitewashing report of the Committee.
I think you underestimate the importance of that case. The transaction was a fairly representative one of the utterly reckless way in which laws were disregarded and international relations compromised under the Grant régime. You are probably aware that Sumner's mind would never master the details of a matter of this kind if they were in any degree complicated. So it was in this instance. His opening speech left the case in a very weak condition, and it was owing to this circumstance that I felt it my duty to take a prominent part in the debate at the beginning, which I had not intended to do. In fact, it was at Sumner's urgent request, if not demand, that I made my speech of February 15th. He bent over my seat, his being immediately behind me, and said: “You must speak now, instantly.” From that moment the burden of the fight fell upon my shoulders, and you can gather from my speeches (Feb. 15th, Feb. 20th, May 31st) much more information about the subject, than from Sumner s. I had to be on the floor constantly in the running debate. Sumner seemed to look upon my zeal in the matter more or less as a service rendered to him personally and was very grateful to me for it. On one occasion he was especially outspoken. I must tell you of it.
- ↑ The alleged sale of arms by officers of the U. S. Government to agents of the French Government, for use in the Franco-Prussian war.
