William G. Allen to Frederick Douglass, July 19, 1852
Frederick Douglass, Esq.:
Dear Sir:—
Communipaw thinks that he must spite me a bit because his attempted fun over my "Kossuth Castigation," all went for nothing; others, as well as myself, notwithstanding Communipaw's very ironically expressed opinion to the contrary, having found out the delinquencies of said "Committee of Thirteen."
Communipaw says in your paper of the 16th inst.; "Professor Allen seems very ignorant of the Jews when he asserts that they have produced nothing in our times in arts or aims, or policy." Now, does not Communipaw know that I have never asserted any such thing as he here ascribes to me? I have lost the paper which contained my communication, but I am quite sure the words I employed were these: "The Jews in modern times have accomplished next to nothing in the great world of science, literature and art." I said nothing of the Jews as to "aims and policy." Everybody (and, of course, I am included) knows that the Jews are the greatest mere money-gatherers in the world. But what of that? Anybody can get money who makes that his specific and only object, and really, and in good earnest sets himself to work at it. Does Communipaw refer to the mere money-gathering faculty as evidence of real greatness? If so, he eats his own opinions up, since he has been belaboring some folks because they have been advising the colored people to make money a great idea. I mean no disparagement of the Jews, and might have let this point pass but for the opportunity it affords me of giving Communipaw a rap.
But to my statement. Regarding the statement which I did make—"that the Jews in modern times have accomplished next to nothing in the great world of science, literature and art"—in the light of the comparison in which Communipaw well knows I intended it should be understood, I still maintain it (the statement) is strictly correct, De Israeli, Neander, Mendelssohn, &c., to the contrary notwithstanding. Comparing the African race with the great nations of Europe and America, to wit, England, Germany, France and the United States, it is perfectly correct to say that they (the Africans) in modern times have accomplished next to nothing in the great world of science, literature and art, Banneker, Garnett, Crummell, Ward, &c., to the contrary notwithstanding.
The point which I was endeavoring to establish, and which Communipaw, since he noticed my article at all, should have met, instead of picking out a sentence either here or there, and altering it at that, was this:—No truly great nation composed of a SINGLE race had ever yet written its name in any page of human history, nor never can, if there be any virtue in science, philosophy and religion. I repeat in substance, this is the only point worthy of notice; for though I might have been ignorant enough not to know that Neander, De Israeli, Mendelssohn, &c., were Jews, yet I do not believe that Mr. Communipaw ever thought so. But to return: Does Communipaw controvert this point? He will
not; for, if he be the man I take him to be, he has too much sense and science for that. Shut up the Jews in a nation to themselves, instead of scattering them among the other nations of earth, and where were your Neander, De Israeli, Mendelssohn, &c.? Shut up the Africans in a nation to themselves, instead of scattering them among the other nations of earth, or persons of other nations scattering themselves among them, and where were your
Ethiop, in one of his communications, tells us that a writer of note in Frazer's Magazine ventures the assertion that "when the tide of foreign emigration shall cease, there will be no more salvation for the poor white American; that he will become for a season stationary, then rerograde, and finally dwindle out of his identity." This is my idea exactly. Ethiop farther says that one of the leading American journals went into spasms upon the reading of this statement; but no matter for that. Ethiop still farther affirms that it is time and must be apparent to the most indifferent observer that even now in the remote country places, where the foreigner's foot does not penetrate, the flaxen hair, florid complexion and blue eyes have entirely disappeared, and the high cheek bones, black hair and tawny skin have taken entire possession. It is almost the North American Indian, he continues, who strides up before you. Ethiop is telling the truth in good round letters, as I, who have lived at odd times, many years in the woods, can testify to. Folks change by force of circumstances in intellect and morals also, as well as in looks. Mark that!
But I close. Communipaw, no more than myself, belives in the "single-race theory," as the theory for the upbuilding of nations. Such a theory is anti-Christian—atheistical. It is the legitimate theory of the pro-slavery and the prejudiced, and underlies the whole project of the abomination of abominations - Liberia Colonization. "God has made of one blood all nations of men, to dwell upon all the face of the earth."
Yours, Communipaw,
McGrawville, N.Y., July, 19th, 1852.