Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 69
Mr. Douglass became so impressed with what
was said that he rose of his own accord and
delivered one of his old time speeches, full of fiery
eloquence^ in which he contrasted his past life
with that of the young men before him, and concluded
his impromptu remarks with an earnest
appeal to the youth to make the most of their
opportunities, show themselves worthy of the
great privileges they enjoy and equal to the demands
of the age. As soon as Mr. Douglass had
resumed his seat Professor R. T. Greener proposed
three cheers for the " Old Man Eloquent,"
which were given with a hearty good will.
Before the company separated, Dr. B. T Tanner
of the Christian Recorder approached Mr.
Charles R. Douglass, son of the guest of the evening,
and, in the hearing of the writer, made this
remark which we think will prove of prophetic
import: " From the fact that this company is made
up chiefly of young men, we may conclude that
the future of your venerable father is secure. He
who can command the fealty of the men of his
own generation is only secure in his reputation
while they survive ; but he who has the strength
or fitness to command the fealty of the generation
coming immediately after him, may count
the future as secure."
Thus the entertainment was agreeably prolonged
by speaking and conversation, till the late-