pp.205-208, RACE ADJUSTMENT: essays on
the Negro in America, “Walt Whitman,” by Kelly Miller (The Neale
Publishing Co., New York, Washington, D. C: 1909)
“The growth and expansion of modern
literature is co-extensive with the rise and development of African
slavery, This literature is tinged throughout with the contemptuous
disdain for the Negro which he is made to feel in all the walks and
relations of life. In it he finds himself set forth in every phase of
ridicule, and derided in every mood and tense of contempt. It appears
in our text books, in our works of travel, in history, fiction,
poetry and art.
“The same spirit does not obtain in
the Oriental and classical literatures. These never refer to the
Negro except in terms of endearment and respect. The gods of Homer
are not too fastidious to spend a holiday season of social
intercourse and festive enjoyment among the blameless Ethiopians...
“Walt Whitman's poetic principle does
not depend upon superficial distinctions, but upon the eternal
verities. He does not believe the 'jay is more precious than the lark
because his feathers are more beautiful, or the adder better than the
eel because his painted skin contents the eye,' He is 'pleased with
the homely woman as well as the handsome.' This concession would
bankrupt almost any other poet by depriving him of half his stock in
trade. Truly his poems 'balance ranks, colors, races, creeds, and
sexes.' He does not relegate the Negro to the backyard of literature,
but lets him in on the ground floor...
“I know that his bold, bald manner of
expression sometimes grates harshly upon the refined sensibilities of
the age. But he speaks with the unblushing frankness of nature. To
the pure all things are pure. 'Leaves of Grass' must not be judged by
isolated lines, but we must consider the general drift of its purpose
and meaning. Whitman does not despise the perfumeries, graces, and
adornments of life, but he will not be intoxicated by their
exhalations. He maintains his soberness and sanity amid these
enticing allurements...
“All truly great souls spend
themselves in selfless service. Whitman would drag none down, but
would lift all up. He would ring in for the world 'the nobler modes
of life, with purer manners, sweeter laws.' He would bring mankind
everywhere 'flush' with himself.”
