The New York freeman., 1885-03-07


public sentiment against the enforcement of |
that iniquitous measure. Mr.. Downing was |
selected by his co nmittee to deliver an address |
of welcome to that illustrious Hungarian |
patriot, Louis Kossuth on his famous visit |
to this country. He was active in the efforts |
to abolish the properly qualification placed |
upon colored people by the State of New |
York. In those days every colored man in |
order to vote had to own two hundred and |
fifty dollars worth of real estate property.
Mr.. Downing in early life took an active |
part in organizing the Grand United Order |
of Odd Fellows. He was Grand Master for |
several years in connection with the sub
committee of management for the continent
of America. He was also active in Masonic
circles, being now Royal Arch Mason.
Mr. Downin} Possesses an OK Istl fund
of information. He is well read Then, too,
his personal "reminiscences and recollections
Of the anti slavery struggle and of public men
has written his "Recollections of the Anti
Slavery Struggle and johnson has given
us his Garrison and His Times" | wish
we could have book on the NEGRO Agita-
tors in the Anti-Slavery Struggle" Who
will write it? Thousands would read such
book.
Although often politely and cordially in
vited, have yer had the pleasure of
meeting Mr. Downing in the bosom of his
family; but in the quiet of his brothers
Brooklyn home, and in the Ransom Parker
household, dear to them both, in Providence,
| have had the privilege more than once of
drawing around the cheerful stove fire, and
in the deepening shadows of twilight listen
ing with delight to how battles were fought
and won. In Imagination have seen and
heard Douglass in youth laundering with
! Ciceronian, with Demosthenesian fire and
eloquence against the shareholders. have
seen, asserting itself in many ways, the
| genius of Garnet and the overpowering ell
| oquence of Ward. In praisiRg the abilities
and in recounting the deeds of Crummell,
and McCune Smith, and Reason, and
Clarke, Mr.. Downing seemed to lose sight
of himself; but the listener could see the
hero of many conflict of mind and arm in
the stalwart form, the flashing eye, the ar
dent manner, the eloquent voice and courtly
manners of the brilliant conversationalist-
living epistle of inspiration unto young men,
urging them to earneStness, manliness,
courage, progress.
Mr.. Downing has written and spoken
much for his race without asking or receiv-
ing peeuniary reward and often at personal
sacrifice. He is always ready to respond
whenever and wherever the trumpet calls to
arms. Years ago he was in New Bedford
friends 70 e6
Boston. He took the first train for the
Hub" 1t was at the time of the agitation
over the fugitive slave, Anthony Burns
While standing on the streets Of Boston q
body of men from Worcester marched by
with banner inscribed Freedom" A
number of police assaulted the procession
and captured the flag. Mr.. Downing
whole nature was aroused. He rushed int
, the crowd and used his muscles, strength
and agility for all they were worth. Afte
J desperate struggle, in which the banne
, was torn almost to shreds, he captured !
from the police, and amidst expressions
admiration at his courage and strength an
S applause at his success, he bore the embler
70 the Office of Robert Morris, which wa
t near by
q Mr.. Downing, With S. Martin, took con
a spicuous part in the John Brown meeting /
9 fremont Temple. The meeting had bee
publioly announced, but leading Beaco
q Street citizens and the city authorities dt
n cided that it should not be held. Ih
= however, did not stop the movement, or pr
. vent the meeting. 1t was held; but tt
a police. who were out in full power, owe
. nowered the people. The meeting WI
It therefore adjourned, to meet again in Il
Il evening in the JOY Street Baptist Church,
% then stronghold Of the colored people. n
n tice was given and the friends OF freedo
7 were urged to be out in full force In u
X evening. The Mayor of Boston sent I
70 Messrs Downing and Martin and attempt
/. to dissuade them from holding the meetln
,e He said that blood would flow II the NEE
rs ing was held. The courageous color
leaders replied that they had the right
r assemble and that they were determined
ed have free speech in Boston. The May
n then spoke of his inability to furnish sui
o. cient force to protect the meeting. lie
b. told in reply that it was matter for hlm
I'M decide; that they had not been protected
AN their meeting in fremont Temple by
tn authorities, but that they were determlu
as to meet that night in their own church, al
le- if necessary, protect themselves; that III
&C. would prepare for any emergency. Placal
Ice were widely distributed and posted CALL
les upon the enemy to be out IN force.
bowling mob of thousands gathered in
on neiphborhood and around the church at
he hour Of meeting; but the friends OF tr
rift dom. nothing daunted and fully arm
,as hacked the edifice The meeting was he
tn The right of free speech was vindlcat
;tv The skulking, faithless authorities W
he whipped into line. The whole police 10
the and the militia were called out, and thus
shedding of blood, the sacrifice of life
ac- the consequent destruction of property W
as prevented. The Martyr John Brown
ro- honored. His son was there with Two
If yolvers and bowie-knife, which ne lala
ws the Bible when he stood up to speak.
in dell Phillips made a characteristic spec
f 81 fnll of fire and eloquence. At the close
the the meeting few betOok & themSelSes m ,Rey 20
ow or rather watched with their weapons OF
mn fence in their hands, prepared to resls
blp the death any attack that might be m
ire upon them. Young John Brown was
o a centre of this Daniels Band, who ds
to stand up for the right.
;ob Mr. Downing was instrumental dul