The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-09-27
Communicated
EnrInallN In Rlallln All.


The immense services which Frederick
Douglass has rendered to the cause Of human
liberty, and the controlling influence that
orator has exercised over the fortunes Of his
regenerated race, constitute an lmperlshable
title to the consideration and respect Of pos
terlty. To perpetuate tho features Of such a
man, regarded alike as q great public bene-
factor and an Intellectual giant, will ever be
a subject Of legitimate aspiration on the part
of the sister arts, and no artist could have
been selected to transmit those lineaInents
to future generations, without a 'Jlemish or
! q flaw, better fitted for the task than Dayton
| Morgan, Of Ohio. This last achievement of
| his high art, this remarkable bust Of Fred
erlck Douglass, now the subject Of eulogistlc
comment wherever II has beeu seen and ad-
mlred, reveals the fact that for boldness OF
| conception, mlnuteness of details and fidelity
| In execution, Mr.. Morgan can challenge
comparison with the best and most gifted
sculptors Of the day. One capable OF apprc-
ciating sculptured art justly may pass day
| In looking at the statue of Daniel Webster,
by Ball Hughes, and leave 1t with no other
feelings than those Of present and immc'
date delight; but he cannot stand for an
hour before this exquisitely moulded bust OF
! Frederick Douglass without being made
wiser, better and happier; not that this per-
Torrance is remarkable for any particular
characteristic Of excellence, beyond the strik-
ing intellectually Of the face and forehead,
but that II has something superior to artistic
beauty, something loftier and more imagina-
tive, something which, taken in connection
with the stirring Incidents In the history OF
this wonderful man II represents, opens q
perpetual spring OF lofty thoughts and pure
aspirations, and requires all the light that ls
within us to appreciate II.
The colored population throughout the
United States have ample occasion TO con-
gratulatc themselves upon this great triumph
OF the plastic art, which perpetuates the
features of one of their own race, rendered
eminent for services which have resulted not
only In their emancipation from serfdom
but in their elevation to the highest pinnacle
of human independence. When the career
of Frederick Douglass is freely and dispas-
sionately considered, when the struggles he
, had to encounter and the difficulties over
which his genius has triumphed are viewed
from standpoint Of philosophlc observa,
= ton, one Ia absolutely amazed at the colossa
. greatness achieved under such embarrassing
and disheartening circumstances. By hi
extraordinary command over the passions
II aud his profound knowledge of humal
IN nature, he has not only demolished tn
ia stronghold of political and socal prelude
he which had wlthstood the wear and tear @
hr ages, but has revolutiOnZed some of tn
lie most powerful minds In the land until
il. stands confessed as the ablest champion o
ia human rights that this or any other countr
10 has ever produced. Such is the man who's
historic likeness, In the best and most at
q. tractlye plaster, Is now submitted to the ad
IN mlratlOn of his friends, and we have N
N. doubt ere many months have elapsed, tn
nd price Of the bust being within reach of per
an sons Of humblest means, that every colore
10 family Of respectability in the country wi
.. have niche In their respective houses deco
r.. rated with this faithful representative of til
illustrious orator of their race and genera
A. tlon, TO remind them Of the great and stu
IS pendOus achievements which has given Their
m their freedom and equality among men.
m or the work Mr. Douglass himself write
"A to the artist "Pleasc accept my thanks 70
m the admirable and every way satisiactor
10 manner In which you have executed tn
\, trust conaded to your hands by my CinClu
N natl friends. The bust Is, in oil respects,
"A fine work Of art, faithful In detail and i
general effect. II is q work that does hig
IN credit to your talents, and Is SO regarded b
on all my friends who have seen IT,"
en- A full liie-sizc bust has just been dellyerc
b. al the Howard University.