43

LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS 195

operations, and embrace within the scope of their influence, my long-
neglected race. [Great cheering, and some confusion on the platform.] Sir, to
give you some idea of the difficulties and obstacles in the way of the temper-
ance reformation of the colored population in the United States, allow me to
state a few facts.

"About the year 1840, a few intelligent, sober, and benevolent colored
gentlemen in Philadelphia, being acquainted with the appalling ravages of
intemperance among a numerous class of colored people in that city, and,
tinding themselves neglected and excluded from white societies, organized
societies among themselves, appointed committees, sent out agents, built
temperance halls, and were earnestly and successfully rescuing many from
the fangs of intemperance.

"The cause went nobly on till August 1, 1842, the day when England
gave liberty to eight hundred thousand souls in the West Indies. The colored
temperance societies selected this day to march in procession through the
city, in the hope that such a demonstration would have the effect of bringing
others into their ranks. They formed their procession, unfurled their teetotal
banners, and proceeded to the accomplishment of their purpose. It was a
delightful sight. But, sir, they had not proceeded down two streets before
they were brutally assailed by a ruthless mob; their banner was torn down,
and trampled in the dust, their ranks broken up, their persons beaten and
pelted with stones and brickbats. One of their churches was burned to the
ground, and their best temperance hall utterly demolished." ["Shame!
shame! shame!" from the audience—great confusion, and cries of "Sit
down" from the American delegates on the platform.]

In the midst of this commotion, the chairman tapped me on the shoulder,
and whispering, informed me that the fifteen minutes allotted to each
speaker had expired; whereupon the vast audience simultaneously shouted:
"Don't interrupt!" "Don't dictate!" "Go on!" "Go on!" "Douglass!"
"Douglass!" This continued several minutes. When I proceeded as follows:
"Kind friends, I beg to assure you that the chairman has not in the slightest
degree sought to alter any sentiment which I am anxious to express on this
occasion. He was simply reminding me that the time allotted for me to speak
had expired. I do not wish to occupy one moment more than is allotted to
other speakers. Thanking you for your kind indulgence. I will take my seat."
Proceeding to do so again, there were loud cries of "Go on!" "Go on!" with
which I complied for a few moments. but without saying anything more that
particularly related to the colored people of America. I did not allow the let-