Autumn 2020 Catalogue

23 American Heroes & Leaders Autumn 2020 “This Decision Has Inflicted A Heavy Calamity Upon Seven Millions Of People Of This Country, And Left Them Naked And Defenceless Against… Malignant, Vulgar And Pitiless Prejudice” 20. DOUGLASS, Frederick, Hon., INGERSOLL, Robert G. Proceedings of the Civil RightsMass-MeetingHeld at LincolnHall, October 22, 1883. Speeches of Hon. Frederick Douglass, and Robert G. Ingersoll. Washington, 1883. Slim octavo, stitched at an early date, original tan printed wrappers. $6900. Click for more info Rare first edition of the Proceedings of the Civil Rights Mass-Meeting, featuring the first publication of Frederick Douglass’ fiery speech delivered a week after the Court decision in United States v. Stanley, known as the Civil Rights Cases, eviscerated the 14th Amendment. “On October 15, 1883 the Supreme Court handed down a decision that ‘came upon the country like a clap of thunder from a clear sky’” (McFeeley, 317). That ruling in United States v. Stanley , known as the Civil Rights Cases, devastated Frederick Douglass, who recognized it as a moral and legal betrayal. It upended the 14th Amendment’s equal-protection clause by viewing it as applicable “only to states and not to individual acts of discrimination by a person or a business establishment... The Court further declared unconstitutional the Civil Rights Act of 1875… Soon Jim Crowwould march through an open door; night had fallen” (Blight, 646-48). A week after the Court’s decision, on October 22, “a standing-room-only mass protest meeting was held in Washington.” With thousands packed into Lincoln Hall, Douglass rose in barely restrained fury to deliver the keynote speech printed here. Without rare errata slip. Interior quite freshwith mild scattered edge-wear mainly to front wrapper and rear leaf not affecting text. Only three copies have appeared at auction in over 100 years. An exceptional very good copy of one of Douglass’ most passionate and deeply felt speeches.