153

OverviewTranscribeVersionsHelp

Facsimile

Transcription

Status: Complete

UFL A.N/J T!M/-,'S OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS

305

I listened very attentively to this address, uttering no word during its
delivery; but when it was finished, I said to the speaker and the committee,
with all the emphasis I could throw into my voice and manner: "Gentlemen,
with a!l respect, you might as well ask me to put a loaded pistol to my head
and blow my brains out, as to ask me to keep out of this convention, to which
I have been duly elected. Then, gentlemen, what would you gain by this
exclusion'? Would not the charge of cowardice, certain to be brought against
you, prove more damaging than that of amalgamation? Would you not be
branded a!l over the land as dastardly hypocrites, professing principles
which you have no wish or intention of carrying out? As a mere matter of
policy or expediency, you will be wise to let me in . Everybody knows that I
han: been duly elected as a delegate by the city of Rochester. The fact has
been broadly announced and commented upon all over the country. If I am
not admitted, the public will ask, 'Where is Douglass'? Why is he not seen in
the com ention'?' and you would find that enquiry more difficult to answer
than any charge brought against you for fa\oring political or social equality;
but. ignoring the question of policy altogether. and looking at it as one of
right and wrong, I am bound to go into that convention; not to do so, would
contradict the principle and practice of my life." With this answer, the committee retired from the car in which I was seated, and did not again approach
me on the subject; but I saw plainly enough then. as we!l as on the morning
when the Loyalist procession was to march through streets of Philadelphia,
that while I was not to be formally excluded, I was to be ignored by the
Cml\ention.
I was the ugly and deformed child of the family, and to be kept out of
sight as much as possible while there was company in the house. Especially
\\as it the purpose to offer me no inducement to be present in the ranks of
the procession of its members and friends, which was to start from
Independence Hall on the first morning of its meeting.
In good season. however, I was present at this grand starting point. My
reception there confirmed my impression as to the policy intended to be pursued towards me. Few of the many I knew were prepared to give me a cordial
recognition, and among these few I may mention Gen. Benj . F. Butler, who,
\\ hate\ er others may say of him, has always shown a courage equal to his
COil\ ictions. Almost everybody else on the ground whom I met seemed to be
ashamed or afraid of me. On the previous night I had been warned that I
should not be allowed to walk through the city in the procession; fears had
been expressed that my presence in it would so shock the prejudices of the
people of Philadelphia, as to cause the procession to be mobbed.

Notes and Questions

Nobody has written a note for this page yet

Please sign in to write a note for this page