Have you seen, in the Mobile Daily Advertiser of the 18th instant, an account of HARRISON ELLIS, a slave, who, with his family, have been purchased, at the instance of the Presbyterian Synod of Alabama and Mississippi, and sent as a missionary to the African Colony at Liberia? The uncommon intellectual powers of this man, his facility in acquiring languages, (equal almost to his brother Elihu Burritt, for Mr. Ellis is also a blacksmith,) and his various powers, seem to have been remarkably appreciated in Alabama. From the long account given of him in the Daily Advertiser, (about a column in length,) it would appear that he is, in many respects, another Frederick Douglass. We regret that such a man should be sent out of the country; not that it is to be regretted that they will do good wherever they go, but because such men are more needed at home than abroad. Neither he nor Frederick Douglass would have expatriated themselves, had it not been for dire necessity. When will this necessity cease to exist, and MAN, according to his capacity, have opportunity to rise in this country! Such articles will add a value to the Southern press. I am sorry to see that, in the paper containing an account of Mr. Ellis, are three advertisements - "A negro bricklayer for sale,;" a "Negro for sale;" "For sale, a middle-aged negro woman." The editor would have consulted good taste, at least, if, in that paper, he had omitted such advertisements.
THE SLAVE ORATOR.
The speech of Frederick Douglass, at the Anniversary of the American Anti-Slavery Society, in New York, is justly regarded as a remarkable production. Eight years ago its author was a toiling slave on a Maryland plantation - the mere chattel personal of its owner. Yet, this man's speech, as given inn the New York Tribune, by a literal and exact reporter, as a mere literary production, will compare favorably with the best addresses of the ablest of the scholars and doctors of divinity who took part in the late religios anniversaries. We might take exceptions to one or two passages, but, as a whole, it is a noble refutation of the charge of natural inferiority urged against the colored man. J.G.W.
THE MEETING ON MAIN STREET.
In the meeting house of the Wesleyan Methodists, on Main street, where amid the many popular and large pro-slavery congregations of this city, a small band of men and women meet to hear the Gospel of Freedom and Love for all, an Anti-Slavery lecture was given by Frederick Douglass, last Sunday afternoon. After prayer by Mr. Benson, the clergyman of the society, and the singing of an anti-slavery hymn (which by the way are rarely to be found in hymn books used in public worship,) Mr. Douglass spoke for an hour or more to a respectable audience who had come together notwithstanding the severity of the storm. - He dwelt for some time on the nature of real Christianity, showing it to be a world-wide faith-recognising all as brethren, raising up the degraded, freeing the slave, and strengthening the weak. Toward the conclusion of his remarks, he spoke in a feeling manner, which drew tears from many eyes, of the cruel prejudice against his race, and gave a simple narrative of some of his own experience of good and ill treatment as a colored man. The address was given in a familiar manner; the speaker saying that he felt more like talking with those present, than making a speech to them, and apparently produced a happy effect on the listeners. His sentiments were warmly responded to by the minister and a number of the members of the society; and it was cheering to see and feel that amid the prejudice which drives the colored man to the negro pew in so many churches in this city, and the stern bigotry which cries "Infidel" against those who ask that God's truth shall free the black man as well as the white man, and make all brethren, here was a different spirit - an oasis in the desert.
THE COLORED MEN'S CONVENTION, which closed its sessions in this city on Saturday last, was highly creditable to its members, and very gratifying to many of our citizens. The propriety with which their proceedings were conducted, the array of talent, the judicious views, and general information exhibited in their public discussions, would not have disgraced a convention of the highest magnates in our country. Seldom, indeed, have we listened to better speakers, more ready, eloquent, and skilful debaters, than are Messrs. Douglass, Garnet, Smith, and several others (colored men) who took part in the discussions at Morris Place Hall. -
The following selections from numerous papers will show in what spirit the NORTH STAR is hailed by the press. A few of the baser sort, such as the New York Express, we understand, have made our appearance the occasion of pouring out a little of their pro-slavery hate. But this we can afford to bear, when we consider the respectful bearing toward us of his more respectable journals of our land.We have received the first number of Frederick Douglass' new paper, bearing the above title. It is unnecessary to say that it bears marks of much ability; for the public is well aware of the talents of its editor.
The fact that so creditable a journal is published and conducted by a colored man, is to us full of interest. It is very likely we shall differ widely in opinion from the North Star, yet we rejoice in the augury its publication affords, of the elevation which sooner or later must come to an oppressed race.- Rochester Daily American.The new Anti-Slavery paper called the North Star has just made its appearance. It is a beautiful sheet, doing great credit to its printers and publishers. FREDERICK DOUGLASS is its principal editor, and all who know him can make a correct estimate of its editorial ability. Mr. Douglass was once a slave: some ten years ago he escaped from bondage; the Abolitionists of Massachusetts discerned his talents, and gave him and education. Two years ago he went to England, and furnished the English with a good living text from which to vent their spleen against us. He received great attention, traveled through the United Kingdom, obtained from Englishmen his press and types, or at any rate the money wherewith to purchase them, and now has settled down in Rochester to speak out for his brethren who are lying in bondage.
Since his escape he has certainly enjoyed great advantages both of study and observation - and his fine natural talents have enabled him to improve them. In his new enterprise we hope he will take discretion as his guide, and remember that no matter how holy the cause he advocates, exhibitions of violence either in language or otherwise, only tend to retard its advance, whilst calmness and dignity win respect both for our arguments and ourselves. We wish him all the success he deserves. -Rochester Evening Gazette.The first number of this large and interesting sheet is before us. It is published every Friday, at No. 25, Buffalo Street, Rochester, at two dollars per annum, always in advance. Frederick Douglass and M.R. Delany, editors.
Mr. Douglass, it is well known, is a manumitted slave, and has, for several years past, been a very popular lecturer in the cause of abolition. Consequently the "North Star," chiefly under his supervision, may be expected to be principally devoted to that cause. The Lord crown the philanthropic enterprise with abundant success. - Advent Harlinger.This paper, of which Frederick Douglass is editor and proprietor, made its appearance in this city on Monday morning last. The paper is large and of respectable appearance. Mr. Douglass is a man of decided talent, and is capable of making the paper a very useful anti-slavery instrumentality. We apprehend, however, that the bent of the paper cannot be decided from the first issue. The number before us, so far as we can see, contains no very objectionable features. In the progress of the enterprise, we shall learn the tendency and spirit of the man and the paper.- Genesee Evangelist.
The first number of this paper - conducted by FREDERICK DOUGLASS, the distinguished refugee from slavery - appeared some days since, but owing to some mishap, we did not get hold of it until yesterday. A glance is all that we have been able to bestow upon it; but its mechanical appearance is exceedingly neat, and its leading article indicates a high order of talent. Mr. Douglass, it will not be denied, is a man of much more than an ordinary share of intellect; and having himself experienced the sweets of the "institution." it is not to be wondered that he is an enthusiastic abolitionist. As we have plenty of professing abolitionist among us, we trust they will depart from their usual liberality, and sustain Mr. Douglass paper. - Rochester Daily Advertiser.
The North Star is the title of a paper just started in this city, devoted to the cause of Abolitionism, by Frederick Douglass, a colored man, who has felt the evils and wrongs of slavery in his own person for more than 20 years. He has traveled and lectured extensively in this country and in many parts of Europe, and has obtained from the latter country money sufficient for his present undertaking. He is possessed of the requisite talent and information to make his paper an efficient organ of the Abolition party.- Christian Sentinel.
We have just received the first number of Mr. Douglass' new paper the "North Star," published at Rochester, N.Y. It is a large and handsome sheet, exceedingly well printed and put together. Its principal editorial contents are the editor's introduction to his readers, (which we shall copy in another place:) an address to the colored population: and a letter, extremely pointed and spirited: and a letter, extremely pointed and spirited: to Mr. Clay, suggested by his late Lexington speech. Its literary and mechanical execution would do honor to any paper, new or old, anti-slavery or pro-slavery, in the country. Mr. Douglass has our sincere good wishes for the highest degree of prosperity and usefulness in his new career. The prospects of his labors in this as yet untried field, are certainly full of promise of an answering harvest. We hope, as we believe, that it will not "unbeseem the promise of its Spring."- Q. - Liberator.
We are right glad to welcome this superlatively able and spirited advocate of the enslaved class from one of themselves. It is a living word which cannot fail to impress the heart of this nation. Here is a chattel in human shape who on our boasted national principle takes the reins of self-government into his own hands, revolutionizes himself, escapes from a slave state, works three years on the wharves in New Bedford, travels, lectures, writes, speaks in his own great cause, and that of his people, seven years more, and now raises in the sight of the whole nation a journal edited with as much ability as any that can be named. Of scholar, poet or statesman, we care not of whom, nothing in the shape of a weekly journal can be found more instinct with genius and mental power. We put it fearlessly to the decision of editors most devoured with prejudice against color, such as the editor of the New York Sunday Despatch, for example, can you find any short coming in this effort? Can you find a man in the editorial field who can bear the palm from Frederick Douglass? Call him savey, impudent, out of place. There he is, a whole man - though black and a runaway slave. And we put it to the most rabid colorphobist of the whole of them, whether it is anything short of the most devilish folly to use up such timber as Douglass is made of for the vile purposes of slavery.
Douglass paper is published at Rochester, N.Y., for $2 per annum, in advance. And it is worth any man's money. We shall give some rich extracts from it anon. The typographical execution of it is first rate. Mr. Douglass is assisted in the editorial department by Mr. M.R. Delany, a gentleman of his own color; and the publisher is William C. Nell, a colored Boston boy, well known for his gentlemanly bearing and business energy.- Chronotype.We have received from Rochester, N.Y., the first number of Frederick Douglass' paper, which bears the name of Freedom's glorious beacon light. It is a large sheet, well printed, on good paper, and is decidedly prepossessing in typographical appearance. The motto it bears is a sentiment worthy of a reformer with the noblest aims and widest philanthropy: - "Right is of no sex - Truth is of no color - God is the Father of us all, and all we are brethren." Its opening address is manly and serious, and breathes a hopeful spirit, which is encouraged by the favorable prospects with which the enterprise commences. Perhaps no man can be found within their ranks better qualified in all respects to be the organ of the people of color in their present struggle for equal manhood in their native land. To remarkable powers of intellect, and a clear moral vision, and unconquerable perseverance, he adds the still more important qualification for this work, the solemn conviction that he is called to it. But he is too well known to our readers to need any commendation from us. That the North star will be powerful auxiliary to the anti-slavery cause, and eminently worthy of patronage, no one who knows Mr. Douglass will doubt. We especially hope that the colored people will extensively subscribe for it, for their own sake, as well as to sustain the paper. It is a paper which will stimulate them to improvement, and elevate their moral and intellectual character, and increase their self-respect, and the respect of other men for them. To break down the walls of prejudice, which now shut them from many avenues to honor and excellence, they should rally, by thousands, around Douglass, and sustain his hands and strengthen his heart. We quote a passage from his opening address which will show the spirit and hope with which he enters upon his new and important enterprise. - Pennsylvania Freeman.
THE NORTH STAR, a new weekly folio, by FREDERICK DOUGLASS & Co., No. 1, reaches us from Rochester - vigorously edited but not well printed. Its motto is "Right is of no sex - Truth is of no color - God is the Father of us all, and all we are brethren." Douglass does not write so happily as he speaks; but, considering, that he was a benighted slave until twenty-one years old, next a laborer for three years on the wharves at New Bedford, never had a day's schooling in his life, and has been only nine years out of bondage, (if the condition of a colored hireling in a Northern city is to be considered freedom,) all must pronounce him a man of decided talent. His principal article in this No. is a letter to Mr. Clay, in review of his remarks on slavery in his late speech at Lexington - caustic, forcible, but rather more savage than is politic.
We trust the African race in this country will resolve to concentrate their patronage on the Star. Douglass is among the ablest, if not the very ablest, of their number, and will fight their battle vigorously.- N.Y. Tribune.We have received the first number of an anti-slavery paper bearing the above title, published at Rochester, edited by Frederick Douglass and M.R. Delany. The paper evinces considerable talent, and the former gentleman (who has been a slave,) asserts his right to freedom by publishing a bill of sale, and a receipt in full for his purchases as a slave from one whom he terms a "cold-blooded Methodist man stealer," and "the hypocritical nation that has sanctioned his infamous claim."
Although we do not coincide with the abolition views of the Star, we are willing that every one should enjoy their own principles, which they have an undoubted right to do; and if there are any in this section who wish to support a paper of this character, we would recommend them to the North Star, as in patronizing that sheet, they bestow their favors upon "one who has FELT the wrongs of slavery, and fathomed the depths of its iniquity." - Newark (N.Y.) Herald.The North Star is the title of a weekly paper at Rochester, N.Y., edited by Frederick Douglass, the fugitive slave. Its motto is, "Right is of no sex - Truth is of no colour - God is the Father of us all, and all we are brethren."
Douglass was a benighted slave, until 21 years old, next a laborer for three years on the wharves at New Bedford, never had a day's schooling in his life, has been only nine years out of bondage, and now we find him issuing one of the ablest papers in the Union. Who says the colored race is inferior in intellect? - Hampshire Herald.Frederick Douglass is now about 29 years of age. We regard him as one of the most extraordinary of living men. It would seem as if Providence had raised him up to deliver his race from bondage. We trust he will keep his eye fixed on this single object, and not suffer his influence to be lessened by collateral questions, not having a direct bearing upon the welfare of his race. - Cleveland (O.) True Democrat.
Only last year, that black vagabond, Douglass, who spent his time in England, propagating his filthy lies against the United States, which were greedily swallowed by English hypocrites and fools, returned to this country in the Cambria, under the especial protection of Capt. Judkins, who first insisted that this offensive negro should sit at table with American gentlemen; and, failing in this, he magnanimously gave up to his odorous protege his own bed and state room. The year before that, Capt. Judkins, whose black propensities are strong in the ascendant, authorised this self-same negro to hold forth on his deck against the cruelty and infamy of lying America, that talked off liberty in one breath, and refused to live cheek by jowl with their nigger brethren in the next. On remonstrances being temperately made by some American gentlemen, this insolent cub of the sea, Capt. Judkins, threatened to put them in irons! Ought we not to get him up a public dinner, and a cold bath to boot, on his advent in New York? This suggestion, we learn, is under meditation.
Only last year, that black vagabond, Douglass, who spent his time in England, propagating his filthy lies against the United States, which were greedily swallowed by English hypocrites and fools, returned to this country in the Cambria, under the especial protection of Capt. Judkins, who first insisted that this offensive negro should sit at table with American gentlemen; and, failing in this, he magnanimously gave up to his odorous protege his own bed and state room. The year before that, Capt. Judkins, whose black propensities are strong in the ascendant, authorised this self-same negro to hold forth on his deck against the cruelty and infamy of lying America, that talked off liberty in one breath, and refused to live cheek by jowl with their nigger brethren in the next. On remonstrances being temperately made by some American gentlemen, this insolent cub of the sea, Capt. Judkins, threatened to put them in irons! Ought we not to get him up a public dinner, and a cold bath to boot, on his advent in New York? This suggestion, we learn, is under meditation.
Frederick Douglass, the nigger pet of the British Abolitionists, has fixed upon Rochester as the place in which to establish an abolition paper, for which the funds have been furnished in England, for the express and impudently avowed object of destroying the Constitution and Union of the United States. We heard this saucy nigger, in the Broadway Tabernacle, boast of his hatred to this government and its institutions, and boast of the encouragement he received on the other side of the Atlantic. Detroit and Cleveland have been spoken of as the place selected by this British emissary, for the scene of his operations; but we have now before us the prospectus of the 'North Star,' to be published in Rochester.
We do not know what the worthy citizens of Rochester will do in this case - or whether they will not think it beneath them to do anything. Douglass, considered apart from his white backers on both sides of the Atlantic, is of little importance - a smart, unprincipled mulatto. Still, the establishment and apparent support of his paper there, will be a serious detriment to the place; and as a moderate sum of money would, doubtless, induce Douglass to go to Toronto or Kingston, in Canada, where he will be much more at home, the Rochester people will do well to buy him off.