Douglass, in the midst of his own perplexities, heard the echoes and defended President Grant. Men working with him, particularly labor men, stared at him in amazement. “How can you, Douglass!” they exclaimed. “Don’t you see what this means? And how can you side against Sumner? He’s the most courageous friend the black man has in Congress!” “I’m not against Charles Sumner. Our Senator sees this proposed annexation as a measure to extinguish a colored nation and therefore bitterly opposes it. But even a great and good man can be wrong.” George Downing, his eyes on Douglass’ earnest, troubled face, thought to himself, _How right you are!_ Charles Sumner, lying on a couch in the library of his big house facing Lafayette Square, listened with closed eyes while Douglass gently remonstrated. His strength was ebbing. Every one of these supreme efforts drained him of life. Sumner was one of the few men of his day who saw that the Union could yet lose the war. He had been very close to Lincoln in the last days. He was trying to carry out the wishes of his beloved Commander in Chief. He listened to Douglass, who he knew also loved Lincoln, with a frown. He sat up impatiently, tossing aside the light shawl with a snort. “You’re caught up in a rosy cloud, Douglass. The lovely song of emancipation still rings in your ears drowning all other sounds. You’re due for a rude awakening.” His large eyes darkened. “And I’m afraid it won’t be long in coming!” It was several days later when Douglass, responding to an invitation from the White House, felt a chill of apprehension. The President greeted him with a blunt question. “Now, what do you think of your friend, Sumner?” he asked bitterly. “I think, Mr. President,” said Douglass, choosing his words carefully, “that Senator Sumner is an honest and a valiant statesman. In opposing the annexation of Santo Domingo he believes he is defending the cause of the colored race as he has always done.” Douglass saw the slow flush creeping above the President’s beard. He continued evenly. “But I also think that in this he is mistaken.” “You do?” There was surprise in the voice. “Yes, sir, I do. I see no more dishonor to Santo Domingo in making her a state of the American Union than in making Kansas, Nebraska, or any other territory such a state. It is giving to a part the strength of the whole.” The President relaxed in his chair, a slight smile on his lips. Douglass leaned forward. “What do you, Mr. President, think of Senator Sumner?” President Grant’s answer was concise. “I think he’s mad!” * * * * *