Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Speech of Gerrit Smith (to his neighbors) in Peterboro, N.Y., June 22d 1872.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04717.71 Author/Creator: Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Place Written: Peterboro, New York Type: Printed document Date: 22 June 1872 Pagination: 3 p. ; 31 x 21.6 cm. Order a Copy
Smith writes "The Democratic Party is my dread. The Republican Party is my hope... I need not say that it is not the original Democratic Party- the party of my childhood and youth... But this modern Democratic party- this degenerate Democratic party- is very unlike the original Democratic party." Defends President Ulysses S. Grant against criticism. Mentions United States Senator Charles Sumner's speech against Grant, accusing Grant of insulting Frederick Douglass. In closing asks, "Is there a black man either at the North or at the South, who is inclined to vote the Democratic ticket? He had better die than do it."
Smith, a politician from New York, served as a U.S. Representative from 1853-1854. He was a noted philanthropist and social reformer active in anti-slavery campaigns and women's rights.
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