Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
I92 LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
Republic of Hayti, Hon. Frederick Douglass, one
of the commissioners for the Haytian government,
made an address which the reader will find interesting
and instructive. He takes the opportunity
here afforded to praise the courage and bravery
of the Haytians in their struggle for independence
and to pay in glowing language a graceful tribute
to the great Toussaint in contrasting him with
Napoleon Bonaparte.
"In taking possession of and dedicating this
pavilion to the important purposes for which it
has been erected, Charles A. Preston and myself,
commissioners appointed by the government
of Hayti to represent that government in all that
pertains to such a mission, wish to express our
satisfaction with the work thus far completed. His
Excellency, General Hyppolite, has been the supreme
motive power and the mainspring by which
this pavilion has found a place in these magnificent
grounds. The moment when his attention
was called to the importance of having his country
well represented in this Exposition, he comprehended
the significance of the measure, and has
faithfully and with all diligence endeavored to
forward such resources as were necessary to attain
this grand result. For ourselves as commissioners,
under whose supervision and direction
this pavilion has been built, I may say that we
feel sure that Hayti will heartily approve our