Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 261
man whose race debarred him from the wealthier
homes of the city.
" This man has come back home to-day. He
did not come surrounded by the grace of a presidential
company, as he did when he last came to
Rochester, but he came in a little circle of his
best beloved ones, and our city went forth to
meet him at its gates. He has been welcomed
for once in the most impressive manner. The
Mayor of the city and other official representatives
of its government have done him honor.
He has been carried through the streets and the
people have stood with their hats lifted as he
passed.
"At our City Hall he has lain in state, and the
very children of our schools have been dismissed
that they might there view his remains in order
that they may tell their children that it was their
privilege to look upon the face of Frederick
Douglass.
"And now at this hour, in this very city,
thousands of people are gathered together to do
him honor by their presence at least. This demonstration
means at least two things. It is a
personal tribute and an impersonal tribute. It is
a tribute, not simply to this great public orator,
but to the man who has exemplified before the
eyes of all America the inspiring example of a
man who made himself. Not all American citi-