The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-09-23
A Colored Nan on the Situation-Plai
Words by Fred Douglass.

AT Republican clam-bake at Old Or
chard Beech, Ne, last week, Fred Doug
lass was present. On being called to
speak he was received with tremendous
cheering. l come here, he said, not so
much to make speech as to be seen of
men. l have been assured that it was
necessary to have at least one negro at
this show. l know nothing of the great
financial question. What can I tell you
of an economical administration? What
do l know of national honor? Not only
negro, but formerly a slave, never hav-
ing had days schooling, it is wonder
that can say anything to you. know
nothing about banking, though once the
president of bank. l know nothing of
currency, though one thing know-that
this is no longer a slave country, that no
slave can be seen in this land from the
rising of the sun to the going down there
OF. The bloody stress of war is now over,
and the black man is now free. The
country is safe unless by your votes you
give it back again into the hands of that
party which nearly led it to destruction
come before you to make an appeal for
my race, over which great danger i'm
pends. l know the effect of Democrat
ic triumph, and l beseech you to shelter
us from the storm. The colored people
of the South, in case of Democratic vic
tory, apprehend their utter extinction
All the malign elements of the old re-
hellion are being stirred up in the South,
and they propose to drive us forth as
Spain drove forth the Moor They tell
you enough has been done for the negro
tell you all you can do for the next fif-
ty years will not atone for the wrong and
oppression of two hundred years. The
Hebrews took jewels away from Egypt
Russia gave lands to her serfs. But the
four millions of slaves had no Jewels and
no land. They were turned loose among
people which hated them. The old
master has said, 'let them die" And
did die, thousands Of them But despite
neglect and destitution they have in
creased. We negroes are a permanent
part OF the country. Who are the black
people who ask your protection2 They
were the only loyal people to be found
south of Mason and DiXon's line during
the war. Affiiction taught appreciation
Of US when the front of the loyal army
was melting away like the snow in early
summer when the recruiting sergeant
was marching up and down your streets
foot sore and weary, calling for young
men and strong men to go to the front
and fill gaps made by rebel powder, when
every village in the North was draped in
weeds of mourning for your sons. When
the fate of the country trembled in the
balance you called upon this class. Abra-
ham Lincoln-Father Abraham-called,
and we came full two hundred thousand
strong, and with our strong iron arms
and fingers clutched the musket, and
side by side with you marched upon the
ramparts of the enemy and gave victory
to the Republican party. We are now
exposed to the hate generated by cha
grin that this people caused the defeat
of the Confederacy. We entreat you
who know something in the world dear
er than questions. of currency or party,
to stand by and save us few years more,
until the old rebels die out and we have
chance to present ourselves TO hands
unstained by treason.