Page 7 - Integrity Seminars - Special Report

Likewise, in reference to the Declaration of Another example of Douglass's capacity for
Independence, Douglass stated: independent thought is his 1869 speech The
Composite Nation. This speech (described by
I have said that the Declaration of Independence Harvard historian Jill Lepore as "strikingly
is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s original") would have been provocative to a
destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles broad spectrum of Americans, including those
contained in that instrument are saving African Americans "sensitive to the issue of
principles. displacement by immigrants.“
African-Americans then and now have been
Stand by those principles, be true to them on all divided on this issue, thereby ensuring that
occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at Douglass would receive a mixed response within
whatever cost... I am not wanting in respect for his own community. He said nonetheless:
the fathers of this republic. The signers of the
Declaration of Independence were brave men. I have said that the Chinese will come, and have
They were great men too — great enough to give given some reasons why we may expect them in
fame to a great age. It does not often happen to very large numbers in no very distant future. Do

a nation to raise, at one time, such a number of you ask, if I favor such immigration, I answer I
truly great men. The point from which I am would. Would you have them naturalized, and
compelled to view them is not, certainly, the have them invested with all the rights of
most favorable; and yet I cannot contemplate American citizenship? I would. Would you allow
their great deeds with less than admiration. They them to vote? I would. Would you allow them to
were statesmen, patriots and heroes, and for the hold office? I would . . . [emphasis added]
good they did, and the principles they contended
for, I will unite with you to honor their memory. Those races of men which have maintained the
most separate and distinct existence for the
longest periods of time; which have had the least
intercourse with other races of men, are a
standing confirmation of the folly of isolation.
The very soil of the national mind becomes, in
such cases, barren . . .

Other Governments mainly depend for security
upon the sword; our depends mainly upon the
friendship of its people. In all matters --in time of
peace, in time of war, and at all times, --it makes
its appeal to all the people, and to all classes of
the people. Its strength lies in their friendship
and cheerful support in every time of need, and
that policy is a mad one which would reduce the
number of its friends by excluding those who
would come, or by alienating those who are
already here...

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