Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1895-02-22

holder and compelling him to yield up
his earthly interest to the claims of
eternal justice are finely illustrated in
the dialogue, and from the speeches of
Sheridan got a bold and powerful de-
nunciation of oppression, and the most
brilliant vindication of the rights of
man"
1t is easy to see, therefore, that with
his sense of the wrongs his people suf-
fered thoroughly awakened and
aroused by the sentiments of Garrison,
as expressed in his speeches and in the
columns of the Liberator, Douglass
feelings found vent in the art so studi-
ously cultivated while coming the
masterpieces found in the pages of the
Columbian Orator"
Among New England Abolitionists.
The anti-slavery sentiment at the
time Mr.. Douglass established himself
at New Bedford had attained great
impetus throughout New England.
Anti-slavery meetings were of common
occurrence, and Douglass was present
at every one that he was given oppor-
tunity to attend In the summer of
1s41 a grand anti-slavery convention
was held in Nantucket under the
auspices of Mr.. Garrison. Mr.. Douglass
attended, and while there was brought
to public notice through William c.
Coffin prominent abolitionist of that
time. who had known Douglass in New
Bedford and had heard him frequently
address the colored people of that city
when they met to worship in little
schoolhouse on Second street Of his
feelings when first called upon to make
a public address Douglass has said:
SIT was with the utmost difficulty
that could stand erect or that | could
command and articulate two words
without hesitation or stammering. I
trembled IN every limb, but I am not
sure that my embarra rassment was not
the most effective part of my speech, if
speech it could be called The audi
ence sympathized with me at once, and
from having been remarkably quiet be-
came much excited. Mr.. Garrison fol-
lowed me, taking me as his texr, and
whether had made an eloquent plea
in behalf of freedom or not, his was
never to me forgotten. !"
At the close of this meeting Mr. Doug
lass was importuned to become an agent
of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Soci-
ETY.. This opened for him a new life,
into which he entered in the full gush
of unsuspectiug enthusiasm. Among
the first duties assigned him in his new
was to travel with George
Foster to lecture and secure subscribers
to the Anti-Slavery Standard and the
Liberator. The tour was successful
one from many points of view. Thous-
ands came from curiosity to hear what
a negro could possibly have to say in
his own defense. And many of those
who came to scotf went away convinced
by the eloquence and charm of manner
of the young colored orator.
After concluding his tour in Massa
Mr.. Douglass was engaged by
the anti-slavery party in Rhode Island,
which at that time was desirous of sub
mitting to the people new constitu-
ton, to make a canvass of that state
with view to working up an anti
slavery sentiment. With him in this
work were engaged Stephen s. Foster
Parker Pillsbury, Abby Kelley and
James Monroe So successful were they
in then work that constitution grant
ing equal rights, regardless of race or
color, was finally adopted.
Notwithstanding the fact that New
England was the home of the abolition
there existed a strong preju-
dice against the colored man, and Mr.
Douglass was made to feel the weight
of this prejudice SO frequently that
were he man of lighter weight or
smaller mental caliber he would have
long before success finally
crowned his persistent efforts. Whole
pages of his memoirs are given to de-
scription of the insults heaped upon
himself and his fellow agitators during
that stormy period.
He Sought Refuge In England.
In 1874 he began to fear, owing to
the publicity which his eloquence had |
given to his name, that he would be
under the fugitive slave
law and returned to his master in
He made up his mind to
seek refuge in England, tor which he
took passage in the steerage in the
steamer Cambria, because American
prejudice against color had triumphed |
over British liberality and had erected
q color test as condition against |
crossing the sea in the cabin of a British |
vessel.
On his way across the Atlantic Mr..
Douglass narrowly escaped assassination
at the hands of some young southern |
bloods who, under the inspiration of
slavery and brandy, declared that the
presence on board British vessel of an
educated colored man was an open
insult to the chivalry of the south.
Only the firmness of Captain Judkins, of
jhe Cambria, prevented the murder
md the attack ended in his being com
oelled to put the hot blooded southern
,rs in irons.
At this time the British public was
Intensely interested in and divided on
,he two great questions of ''repeal''-
he repeal of the corn laws and the
'epeal of the union between England
Ind Ireland. Debate ran high in par
lament and among the people every
Who was destined to be one of the
greatest orators of America, was given
lmple opportunity to study the orators
md oratory, as well as the politics and
politicians of England
AS he carried letters of introduction
rom prominent Americans, Mr.. Doug
ass was received by the English anti
lavery element, which numbered
smong its members many of the nobil-
ty. He Hedelivered many public addresses
n the principal cities and towns
all Britain, receiving
ordial welcome and being honored
With some of the largest audiences ever
ssembled in the world.
In 1916 his friends in England sub
cribed e15O which Mr.. Douglass de-
oted in purchasing his freedom in due
orm of law He returned to the
United States in 1s47 and took up his