Author
Benjamin Rush Davenport
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Subjects
Books by Benjamin Rush Davenport
The Crime of Caste in Our Country
"The Crime of Caste in Our Country" by Benjamin Rush Davenport is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work addresses the growing social inequalities and the emergence of a 'caste' system in America, which Davenport argues is a crime against the fundamental principles of equality that underlie the nation’s identity. He draws parallels between contemporary social issues and historical examples of class distinctions, advocating for a society in which merit, virtue, and honesty prevail over wealth and aristocratic pretensions. At the start of the book, Davenport sets the stage for a significant political shift that occurred during the 1892 elections, emphasizing the overwhelming voice of the people against the rise of a sham aristocracy. He critiques the media's attempts to interpret this upheaval through isolated political analyses, arguing instead that the root cause lies in the public's deep-seated resentment towards the social stratifications fostered by the wealthy elite. Through vivid analogies and historical references, he illustrates the emotional turmoil of ordinary Americans who feel threatened by the creeping class distinctions, thereby framing the election outcome as a collective pushback against the oppression of 'caste.'
Blood Will Tell: The Strange Story of a Son of Ham
"Blood Will Tell: The Strange Story of a Son of Ham" by Benjamin Rush Davenport is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative appears to explore themes of race, love, and societal expectations through its characters, particularly focusing on the relationship dynamics among the Dunlap family and Walter Burton, a man of mixed heritage. Weaving through discussions of race and purity, the story sets up a backdrop of conflict rooted in familial loyalty and modern interpersonal challenges. The opening of the novel introduces us to Boston on a gloomy November day, establishing the setting primarily in the office of the Dunlap family’s shipping and banking firm. We meet the two elderly brothers, James and John Dunlap, who are in earnest conversation regarding John’s granddaughter, Lucy, who is engaged to Walter Burton. However, John discovers that Burton may have African ancestry, leading to a fierce debate over the implications of race and the potential harm to Lucy’s future. As the tension builds through their discussion, we are also introduced to young Captain Jack Dunlap, Lucy's childhood friend and secret admirer, who wishes to sail away before the wedding accelerates, intensifying the familial and romantic entanglements.