From the Archives: Newspapers:
The Visit of Frederick Douglass

The Erie Weekly Gazette, April 29, 1858 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS has discussed his favorite topic – the “Unity of the Human Race” – in Park Hall on Saturday evening, to a moderately sized audience, with masterly ability.  We are satisfied that, but for the existing prejudice against color, he would stand acknowledged as one of the first intellects and most powerful Orators in the country.  His address, on the occasion alluded to, was characterized by a force of logic and elegance of diction, we have seldom heard surpassed.  We do not say that we subscribe to all the opinions he expressed, but in the exercise of a spirit of common candor, we cannot do less than yield to his talents and eloquence the tribune of our hearty admiration.

It is the custom of some persons, including newspaper editors of the Buchanan school, to smear at Mr. Douglass ---because, we suppose, he belongs to the African race, and consequently has not a white skin.  We would respectfully suggest to all such the propriety of forgetting his color for the time being, and devoting themselves to an honest effort to answer his arguments.  If they do this successfully, they will gain greater and more enduring laurels than they possibly can by scoffs and sneers wholly based upon a misfortune for which Mr. Douglass is in no wise responsible.

The Erie Observer, April 24, 1858