The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-18

Gov. Lind Responds to an Invita-
ton to Deliver IA Short Address
-. l.. McGhee ForcefulIy Dis
cusses the Statesmansip of the
Great COIored Man.
The hall Of the house of representa-
tives was comfortably filled last night
with the colored people of st. Paul, 1t
being the celebration of the anniver-
sary Of the birth Of Frederick Douglass.
under the auspices of the American
Law Enforcement League of Mime
sofa. The speakers desk was orna-
mented with potted flowers, back of
the speakers chair was a large pic
ture Of Frederick Douglass and on
either side were pictures Of Abraham
Lincoln and John Brown.
A splendid programme had been pre-
pared and was carried out.
The meeting was called to order by
the president of the league, Jasper
Gibbs, who said: THE present month
is identified with the history Of the
United States, for in the month of
February were born the three greatest
characters this country has ever pro-
duced, Washington, Lincoln and Fred
erick Douglass. To Douglass the Law
Enforcement League of Minnesota is
moSalment and it is fitting that to-
night We show our loyalty to his great
deeds and to perpetuate his fame.
DOUGLASS AS A SLAVE.
w. R. Morris presented a splendid
paper on Douglass as a Slave" 1t
was a vivid portrayal of the vicissi-
tudes Of Douglass life from his birth,
near Easton, Md, Feb. II, 1917, his
hardsnfps, his splendid attachments
and the magnificent results of his life
time of devoted interest to the cause
of the black man.
After a solo by Mrs. r. C. Minor. who
was twice compelled to respond to en-
cores. Gov. Lind and wife appeared
in the hall and took seats near the
speakers desk. His entrance was greet
ed by storm of applause. A motion
was made that the governor be re-
quested to address the meeting. The
chair put the question. and as all vot-
ing in the affirmative. he announced
the result as, 1.-THE ayes have 1t and
it is so ordered" Amid the laugh that
followed the governor rose and said:
IF this summons had come in any
other form than an absolute order I am
afraid l should not have responded,
However, there is no occasion when
could rise with greater pleasure than
now. The history of the United States
contains the names of men Of world
wide reputation. and among the fore
most is the name of Frederick Doug
lass. recall with pleasure that knew
him and heard him in his life time. He
was a man of remarkable personality.
With him you felt at home and when
you talked with him you felt like talk
ing more. His being a negro had not
scured him and in my opinion he takes
rank
WITH THE FIRST MEN
in all the world.
II sympathize with you in your con-
dition. l didn't say so before election,
as many Of you perhaps would have
misunderstood me. I have something
in common with you. In my youth I
lost a hand and I found that I was
pointed out as the boy without a HAND.
but it was not meant unktndly, and
sensitive though I was 1 did not let 1t
sour my nature. You do not object to
being called negroes. and because it
differentiates you from the rest Of man
kind you should not object any more
than L do to being called a Swede. Our
interests and country are identical and
you should forget your color as I for
get that my hair is off-color. and re-
member that it is not that that counts,
but it is character that counts.
II am sincerely glad YOU celebrate
this occasion. because Douglass was
one Of the greatest Of this worlds char
acters and it is because he was an
American that [ join with you in hon
oring the occasion"
THANK THE LEGISLATURE.
The following resolution was then
passed:
Whereas. The house of representatives of
the state Of Minnesota has generously grant
ed to the American Law Enforcement League
of Minnesota the use Of its assembly chamber
for the exercises in commemoration OF the
birth of Frederick Douglass, the distinguished
negro orator and statesman and whereas
the members of the house and senate Of Min
nesota have honoIed the occasion with their
presence; be 1t
Resolved, That said league hereby tender
to said house, for the use Of it's assembly
chamber heartfelt vote Of thanks. and also
special vote of thanks to the members OF
both the house and senate for the appreciation
shown by their presence.
ST. PAUL'S COLORED ORATOR.
programme with paper on Douglass
as a Statesman" He said In part:
Mr. Chairman To me has been assigned
the duty of speaking CT him whose memory
we do horor today as being that which none
of the biographers have seriously
e eTted But h% aAat as he 0 sas every Bit
a statesman I have but to ask that you
refer to his acts efforts ard declarations to
attest craftsmanship of the highest order.
Was Lincoln a statesman? So too, was
Douglass, for, Waa 1t rot Garrison, Phillips
and Douglass, and let me add the name of
the sainted Harriet Beecher Stowe that made
Lincoln and the Republican party possible.
Was the issuing of the emal cjpatlon procla-
nation an act Of the highest craftsmanship?
Then I'd have you remember that the truth
Is as spoken by Douglass himself: What
abolished slavery, was the moral sentiment
which had been created by the Gar
risonian platform" of which he was most
ardent advocate.
Mr.. McGhee then quoted from Mr..
Douglass to show his firm faith in the
Republican party. Continuing. he said:
Douglass net only denounced and held to
Democratic party too, and those who now a.
days. In high places say the negro shows in
gratitude In POINTING out the. good there IL
In the Democratic party, who say that
bad Republican is better than any man in
any other party can be .ebrked no better
than in these words of Douglass spoken on
the anniversary OF the emancipation In the
District Of Columbia. April. 1885.
1.-The inaugural address Of President Cleve
land was all that any friend OF liberty and
Justice could ask for the freedman. No bot
of the capitol since the Inauguration Of Lin
coin and Gen. Grant"
Again in his letter to Hon. F. w. Bird.
concerning his removal from the office of
register of deeds for the District of Columbia,
he says: His president Cleveland) treat
ment Of me was in every way courteous, and
have nothing whatever to complain Of.
While in office President Cleveland treated
district. He was brave enough to Invite Mrs.
Douglass and myself to all his grand recep-
lions, thus rebuking the tmidity-l need not
say cowardice-of his predecessor
Did he live in these days his voice would
have been heard in clarion tones denouncing
the treatment the black soldiers are receiv-