Middletown transcript., 1895-02-23
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
How he Was Treated by the Citizens of
MiddIetown.

/
The death of Frederick Douglass re-
moves one of the most notable figures oi
our national history. The story of his life is
one of the most thrilling, pathetic and ro-
mantle on record. He was by birth a
negro slave, owned by Col. Lloyd at
Tuckahoe, near Easton, Md, his mother
was black and his father white. His escape
from slavery, his unconquarable ambition
to learn, and to obtain an education, and
his success in accomplishing his purpose
are facts of history.
Never did any man begin life under such
discouraging circumstances. and his Won
derful achievements are strong evidence
of the inherent ability of the negro race.
He was an editor and an orator, and those
whose privilege it was to hear him, tell of
the wonderful magnetic influence of his
persuasive speech especially powerful when
anti-slavery was his theme. He had a
great intellect and great heart, which
the shackles of slavery could not bind, and
after breaking the bonds that would hold
In England the leading men of Britain,
including earls. lords and the gentry heard
him eagerly, and paid him every tribute of
honor.
A few years ago Mr.. Douglass ca me to
Middletown and wished to speak in the
Opera House of this place, but the race
prejudice which has always been SO bitter
in this community, but which. by the
enlightening and civilizing influences of
broader education is gradually growing less,
thank God-was so intense that the citi-
zens refused him the hall, and denied him
the common courtesies of civil life. We are
glad to record it of our sister town, Odessa,
that she gave him the freedom of the town,
opened her public hall to him, and many
of her people heard him gladly. The lead
ing man of the Democrat party in Odessa
and East st. Georges hundred at that time,
the late William Polk, sent his private
coach to convey him to and from the
station, and saw that he was properly en-
tertained. During the course of his ad-
dress OH that occasion Mr.. Douglass said
GA certain Englishman. in speaking of
America said, it is too big country ever
to be great with to say of Middletown
that it is too small place ever to be little"
Mr.. Doug. ass was honored with several
national offices, all of which he filled ac-
cept,bly and with credit to himself. Pre-
sident G ant made him member of the |
Territorial Council fthe District of Colum- |
bia. In 1872 he was elected Presidential |
Elector at large in New York State, and |
was appointed to carry the electoral vote
Of the State to Washington. In 1876 he
was appointed United States Marshal for
the district of Columbia, which Office he
held until 1881, when he became Recorder
Of Deeds in the District. He was removed
in 1886 by President Cleveland. The same
year lie visited England, to inform the
friends he had made there as a fugitive
slave of the progress of the African race in
The United States since it had been freed
In June 1889, he was appointed Minister to
Hayti, which post he filled for several
years.
For the last eighteen months Mr.. Douglass
lived at Cedar Hill. Anacostia, in roomy
Did house which commands view of the
city of Washington and of the broad
Potamac. He was always an industrious,
man, and saved the money he
earned. He had fine library, full of re.
from the men with whom
ne spent long years in fighting for the cause
IF freedom. In his latter years he was
'till studious and wrote much for news
papers, and magazines. His published
works are Narrative of My Experience in
Slavery" MY Bondage and My Freedom"
and Life and Times of Frederick Doug
ass" The last, published in 1871. had
arge sale in this country and abroad. He
was IS years old.