On the record
They do not and will not believe that it was any such maimed, imperfect, misshapen cripple from birth for which our forefathers made a place in the family of nations.
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “They do not and will not believe that it was any such maimed, imperfect, misshapen cripple from birth for which our…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid expresses the belief that the American identity is not one of weakness or inferiority.
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More from Whitelaw Reid
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.
Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.