Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
8 INTRODUCTION;
mrtg.kway,with ! , himself.J; -Such in substance
his old master's'opinion/and that it was a true
prediction / the life and career of i Mr. Douglass,
tvhkhihave beian fully told elsewhere, are a sufficient
proof-
^,:Mr.;DQAjglass!s superior abilityas an orator and
ag, a writer was* early recognized by the* friends
of the irace^and from that day tajibhk: his services
in behalf of his peoplehave ever been in demand.
On the other .hand he has been ready to sacrifice
his own r best antetes'tsj for his race, and he has
not failed to.rriake; the sacrifice. He is a brilliant
orator, a fluent talker, and an interesting conversationalist.
He has an excellent memory, and
can recall dates and facts of history with perfect
ease. A day in his society is a rare treat, a privilege
that might well be coveted by America's
greatest citizens. The greatness of the man and
the inspiration that comes from every word that
he utters, make one wonder how it was possible
for such a remarkable character to have ever been
a slave; and, further, how even now it is possible
for any discourtesies to be shown him because of
his color. It is nevertheless true, however, that
this distinguished American citizen must suffer
with the rest of his fellows and share like indignities—and
all because of his race.
Socrates used to say that all men are sufficiently
eloquent in that which they understand.