The American Spirit in the Writings of Americans of Foreign Birth

The one born in the United States
The other in far-away Czecho-Slovakia
But in both of whom I have found
True and noble manifestations
Of the American spirit

Let us judge our immigrants also out of their own mouths, as future generations will be sure to judge them.

Mary Antin.

He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds.... The American is a new man, who acts upon new principles; he must therefore entertain new ideas, and form new opinions.

CrÈvecoeur.

Where the schoolhouse banner flaunts the morning breeze,

Where the rough farm student strides amid the wheat,

Where the voice of knowledge fills a thousand halls,

Where the athletes in their mimic warfare meet;

Where the master grasps the brand

Of lightning in his hand,

And the hidden Powers of Air to service bent

Proclaim the issue of the long experiment,

I behold the future race

Arise in strength and grace;

Shall they falter? Shall they fail? Shall they endure?

Lo, the onward march is sure.

William James Dawson.

Clyx.com