Charles Sumner had been struck down in the Senate chamber by Preston S.Brooks, of South Carolina, for words spoken in debate.

The hearts of the students throbbed with indignation--none more fiercely than young Garfield's.

At an indignation meeting convened by the students he rose and delivered, so says one who heard him, "one of the most impassioned and eloquent speeches ever delivered in old Williams." It made a sensation.
"Did you hear Old Gar's speech at the meeting ?" asked one of another.
"No, I did not get in in time." "It was great.

I never heard him speak better.

Do you know what I think ?" "Well ?" "Gar will be in Congress some day himself.