The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-12

A paragraph appeared in recent number
of the Chicago er-Ocean. the most con-
spicuous Republican organ Of the Northwest,
in which there was very complimentary re-
ference to Frederick Douglass as an aged
diplomatist who had grown Indifferent TO the
honors of high official position, and who de-
sired now to withdraw from Hayti because he
was anxious to secure that dignifed repose
which was so necessary for one who was 50
far advanced on the road Of life, and who had
won in long career the full measure of dis
tinction and success.
The picture which the Inter-Ocean drew of
Fred. Douglass was quite moving in its
pathos, and Involuntary the mind assented
to the suggestion that the Minister to Hayti
should be allowed to seek the shades of a
calm retirement where his oyerworn spirit
might recuperate from the harassing effects
of his official labors and find peace and con-
tentment in distant philosophical contem-
plahon of the affairs of the world at large in
which his longing for mental and physical
quietude no longer permitted him to par
ticipate
Recent announcements from Port-au-
Prince, however, throw somewhat dubious
light on the motives which have caused the
distinguished diplomatist in charge of Ameri-
can interests at that capital to be so
solicitous to cast aside the fatguing cares of
his Office Indeed. we are now not at all sur
prised that our minister has developed such
a marked taste for the peace and repose Of
private station and that he has lost all am
btion 10 extend his diplomatic career and
has grown quite weary of diplomatic honors.
What is the position which it would be sup
posed this new Talleyrand would occupy in
the capital of the only negro republic on the
globe? II would be expected that this
great diplomatist would be received with
the highest distinction, and that he would be
treated with delicate consideration, a pro-
found Difference that would be very fattering
and very gratifying. Has not Douglass pro-
claimed on innumerable occasions that the
negro was the equal Of the white man in every
moral and intellectual attribute; that he was
capable Of the highest achievements in every
line of action and in every branch of thought:
If there was an individual in the world whom
the Haytiens ought 10 have desired to i'm
press most fayorably, il would have been
thought to be Frederick Douglass.
What, however, is the actual state of the
case: When the riot began i'll the streets of
Port-au-Prince on the 2sth of last month our
minister was taking his morning walk, and it
is fair to presume that his philosophical intel
lect was engaged in bordering over the capac-
ity which his race had shown in Hayti for self
government. the self-control which dis
tinguishes the character Of the negro and
other cognate subjects upon which he has so
often and so eloquently descanted in America.
Suddenly fusillade Of musketry was heard,
and the negro soldiers began to shoot down
the unoffending citizens i'll their tracks. What
did Minister Douglass dor Rush forward. of
course. and use his influence 10 prevent tbe
butchery that was going on? Not at all. He
simply took to his heels. ancient, dignifed
and philosophical diplomatist that he is
Instead of seeking safety by pursuing a d.
rect course along the street he continued his
mastery strategic change of base by rushing
into the nearest alleyway, and by rapid sue.
cession oi diplomatic movements in the form
Of scaling back fences and lodging under
clothes lines finally succeeded after showing
remarkable agility, in reaching his residence
from whence. according to the latest &C.