There
never was a baser falsehood uttered concerning a race, or a statement
made that was less capable of being proved by actual facts.
No one can come into contact with the race for twenty years, as I
have done in the heart of the South, without being convinced that the
race is constantly making slow but sure progress materially,
educationally, and morally. One might take up the life of the worst
element in New York City, for example, and prove almost anything he
wanted to prove concerning the white man, but all will agree that this
is not a fair test.
Early in the year 1897 I received a letter inviting me to deliver
an address at the dedication of the Robert Gould Shaw monument in
Boston. I accepted the invitation. It is not necessary for me, I am
sure, to explain who Robert Gould Shaw was, and what he did. The
monument to his memory stands near the head of the Boston Common,
facing the State House. It is counted to be the most perfect piece of
art of the kind to be found in the country.
The exercises connected with the dedication were held in Music
Hall, in Boston, and the great hall was packed from top to bottom with
one of the most distinguished audiences that ever assembled in the
city. Among those present were more persons representing the famous
old anti-slavery element that it is likely will ever be brought
together in the country again.
Pages:
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246