If they can protect the rights of white men they can protect the rights of black men; if they can defend the rights of American citizens abroad they can defend them at home; if they can use the army to protect the rights of Chinamen, they can use the army to protect the rights of colored men.
This quote highlights Douglass's belief in the universality of rights and the obligation to protect all citizens, regardless of race.
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More from Frederick Douglass
I wished it was possible I could remain small all my life, knowing that the sooner I grew large the shorter would be my time to remain with them.
It had no interest in recognizing or preserving any of the ties that bind families together or to their homes.
The sentiment that brings us here to-day is one of the noblest that can stir and thrill the human heart.