AN HISTORIC REPRINT
" ... Our fathers devoted their lives and fortunes to the grand work of founding a gov–
ernment for the protection of the rights of man... What we want today is what our fa-
~r
thers wrote down.•. We want, not only the independence of a state, not only the inde–
pendence of a nation, but something far more glorious - the absolute independence of
the individual. .. Let everybody
be
absolutely free and independent, knowing only the
sacred obligations of honesty and affection...
It
is a grand thing to be the owner of
yourself.
It
is a grand thing to protect the rights of others.
It
is a sublime thing to
be
free and just. .. "
.,.
",'
\
,
The above extracts are only a few of the thought-provoking phram
contained in the NEW. 28-page SPECIAL EDITION of one of the most
poignant humanistic dissertations ever written - and rendered -
The Mighty, Meaningful and Eloquent
Centennial Oration
on
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
by Robert G. Ingersoll
(delivered July 4, 1876 at Peoria, 111.)
Reissued in booklet form in commemoration of the U.S. Bicentennial
Moved by the speech's expressive candor, Ingersoll's biographer, Herman E. Kittredge, remarked, "The
Centennial Oration, from opening to close, breathes the most lofty, inspiring. and worshipful patriotism,"
INGERSOLL - "American Demosthenes.....
There was no pretense or phoniness about Robert G,
Ingersoll (1833-99), The most dynamic and beloved orator
this country has ever known , Ingersoll influenced American
social, political and religious thought forthirtyyears, He was
unquestionably the foremost spokesman for humanism, free
thought. women 's rights , penal reform . racial equality and
justice for all of the last century and. in many respects. of
modern times, In fact. both Felix Adler and Clarence Darrow
considered Ingersoll as their idol and mentor. To Mark Twain.
an Ingersoll speech "was the supremest combination of
English word s that was ever put together since the world
began," And despite their wide difference of belief. the noted
clergyman. Henry Ward Beecher. called Ingersoll "the most
brilliant speaker of the English tongue of all men on this
globe,"
'i@'i!Ifj'L"Ui"'L',:'i!')\'
Ingersoll's penetrating way of exposing bigotry. hypocrisy,
fanaticism and falsehood is no doubt the reason his works
have been removed from most of our public and school
libraries, Even though he was one of the most illustrious men
of his time and the most gifted lawyer, establishment
publishers, even today.hesitate to reprint Ingersoll's sham–
smashing works through fear of censorship and
condemnation , The econom ic pressure that can be exerted by
fundamentalists , provincialists and Archie Bunker-type
groups needs no detailed description here,
Only
1.50
postpaid brings you this historic booklet reprint
of the Centennial Oration by Robert G, Ingersoll. awork that is
altogether enlightening, profound, conscience-stirring and
perhaps most of all - UNIVERSAL IN DEPTH,
Please send ( ) copy (ies) of THE CENTENNIAL ORATION by Robt.
G,
Ingersoll.
I enclose ( ) check ( ) money order.
Name:
Address:
City:
State: '
Zip Code:
INDEPENDENT PUBLICATIONS
P.O. BOX 162 PARK STATION
PATERSON, N.J. 07513
SOFTCOVER -
$1.50 ea.
postpaid
(3 copies
$4.00)
*************
Bicentennial
1776-1976
