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320 LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS

expeditions. When the slave power bore rule, and a spirit of injustice and
oppression animated and controlled every part of our government, I was for
limiting our dominion to the smallest possible margin; but since liberty and
equality have become the law of our land, I am for extending our dominion
whenever and wherever such extension can peaceably and honorably, and
with the approval and desire of all the parties concerned, be accomplished.
Santo Domingo wanted to come under our government upon the terms thus
described; and for more reasons than I can stop here to give, I then believed,
and do now believe, it would have been wise to have received her into our
sisterhood of States.

The idea that annexation meant degradation to a colored nation, was
altogether fanciful; there was no more dishonor to Santo Domingo in making
her a State of the American union, than in making Kansas, Nebraska, or any
other territory such a State. It was giving to a part the strength of the whole,
and lifting what must be despised for its isolation into an organization and
relationship which would compel consideration and respect.

Though I differed from Mr. Sumner in respect of this measure, and
although I told him I thought he was unjust to President Grant, it never dis-
turbed our friendship. After his great speech against annexation, which occu-
pied six hours in its delivery, and in which he arraigned the President in a
most bitter and fierce manner, being at the White House one day, I was asked
by President Grant what I "now thought of my friend Mr. Sumner." I replied
that I believed Mr. Sumner sincerely thought, that in opposing annexation,
he was defending the cause of the colored race as he always had done, but
that I thought he was mistaken. I saw my reply was not very satisfactory, and
said: "What do you, Mr. President, think of Senator Sumner?" He answered,
with some feeling, "I think he is mad."

The difference in opinion on this question between these two great men
was the cause of bitter personal estrangement, and one which I intensely
regretted. The truth is, that neither one was entirely just to the other, because
neither saw the other in his true character; and having once fallen asunder.
the occasion never came when they could be brought together.

Variance between great men finds no healing influence in the atmo-
sphere of Washington. Interested parties are ever ready to fan the flame of
animosity and magnify the grounds of hostility in order to gain the favor of
one or the other. This is perhaps true in some degree in every community;
but it is especially so of the National Capital, and this for the reason that
there is ever a large class of people here dependent upon the influence and
favor of powerful public men for their daily bread.