Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 55
held in Philadelphia in 1866. Mr. Douglass, as a
delegate from Rochester, attended this gathering
and made an earnest speech, urging a free and
untrammeled ballot to all citizens of the country.
The convention, though divided at first in opinion,
before it adjourned passed resolutions favoring
the enfranchisement of the freedman. The
question grew rapidly in public favor. President
Grant recommended the measure to Congress,
and erelong the ballot was made secure to the
negro by the adoption of the 15th amendment to
the constitution.
In the year 1869, having been induced by some
friends, Mr. Douglass came to Washington and
established the New National Era newspaper.
This paper was finally turned over to his sons,
Lewis and Frederick.
About this time he was elected president of the
Freedmen's Bank, an institution intended as a
secure depository for the savings of the colored
people. The intentions of the founders of this
organization were no doubt good, but by bad
management the bank was brought to ruin. Mr.
Douglass had previously been elected a trustee
of this corporation, while residing in Rochester,
and had attended a few of its meetings, but he
knew nothing personally of its true condition.
He himself says: "About four months before this
splendid institution was compelled to close its.