The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-26
NEW YORK TRIBUNE AND DOUGLASS.

Ono of the frmest and most cons's'oh'
frionds of Frederick Douglass has been the
New York Tribune which, keeping In minu
the great abolition movement before 'n'
war. In which Douglass was intimately eS-
Isolated with Greeley. tho founder and arch-
itect of the Tribune, has always allowed tnA'
fact. together with its partisan.ieeling, 70 oiaS
il very strongly IN favor Of the late Minister
10 IIayti.
Tn the early part of the controversy thai
arose over the question as 70 whether Doug
lass was competent person to hold this posi-
ton the Tribune was disposed to defend
him but the publication Of the recent articles
on the negotiations for the acquisition OF the
Mole ST. Nicholas which Douglass prepared
for the North American Review. has created
a great change In the attitude of that journal
towards him.
His departure from good taste and good
sense in the composition and the publication
NJ these articles must have been very striking
10 have called down the following reDuke
from the Tribune. which though expressed IN
moderate language is still unnlstakable IN itS
spirit.
THE friends Of Frederick Douglass will TO
rret bis lack of discretion in continuing N
tho North American Review his articles on
The relations OF Hayti and tho United States
His second chapter Of Secret Revelations
contains nothing Of any real importance ana
is taken up mainly with his constituencies TO
specting Admiral Gherardrs diplomatic mis-
sion and his private grievances against the
agent Of the Clyde shipping firm. Dir. Doug
lass seems TO have come appreciation OK
the fact that his course in hurting out con-
fdential matters with which he was intrusted
by tho State Department is unuual; but he
fancies that criticisms Of the press upon his
official course justify him in violating ell the
precedents and usages Of diplomacy in pub
fishing these articles. An old-time contro-
versiaist Of the anti-slavery period ought TO
have become Injured TO structures from the
press. Nothing which was charged against
Mr.. Douglass approached in seriousness
the inst criticism TO which he has exposed
himself by his precipitate and unseemly haste
in writing these undipomstic papers. That
the administration was not influenced IN ms
case by prejudice against his race has been
demonstrated by tho appointment OF his sue
cessor. This prejudice seems to be the bur
den of his complaint, and his self-conscious-
ness and irritabilty 90 far toward proving
that ne was not in his proper sphere IN the
/ diplomatic service"
Some surprise may DO felt that negro dis
tineuished for as much ability as Douglass
has always been should have proven himself.
while the representative Of the United States
Government. much more incapable minister
( than any Of tho numerous obscure negroes
who had previously occupied the position.
/ Not one is known to have failed 80 completely
I in the performance of the duties OF that posi-
ton although there have been times when
lust az much skill and self-posession were
required in tho American representative ss
7 during the recent insuuection against the
power Of Hyppolite Douglass has capacity
enough butts lacking in clements Of character
/ and the Tribune is entirely right in attribut-
! ing the misfortunes of his diplomatic career
/ TO this cause.