Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/83

Rh upon his head, it is safe to say there are very few now who are his equals at the editorial desk, To judge from historical accounts of Mr. Day and his journalistic life, it is indeed safe to say that then there were only a few in that department of life's work who could attain to his measure.

He is spoken of in The Rising Sun, as follows: "As a writer, Mr, Day is far above newspaper editors generally, exhibiting much care and thought in many of his articles. As a speaker and writer, he has done much for his race."

He is admitted to be among the few who, with Douglass, may justly claim the distinction of being a prolific writer.

The great secret of Mr, Day's success and triumphant ability as a writer is, that he had a finely stored memory, from which he could draw at will. The American was a paper that could be regarded as a creditable publication, and it realized a good support. It was the first paper that had ever been published in Ohio by an Afro-American for his race; and it is a matter of fact that an enthusiastic and hearty support was at once created for it.

The American suspended publication, for a while, before Mr. Day sailed for England, in 1856 and '57. There, he was recognized for his worth and scholarly training, his manner of deportment, and for his genuine eloquence in his preaching and lecturing. Some time after he returned, he embarked again in journalism, which we shall have occasion to refer to later on.

Mr. Day lives at Harrisburg, Pa., where he is yet engaged in toiling for his people. He is a preacher in the A. M. E. Zion church, and one of its best and brainiest men.

In 1887, Livingstone College, Rev. J. C. Price, President, gave him the degree of "D. D." The honor has never been conferred on one more worthy.

Truly he has helped to make the history of journalism bright and shining by his having been in it.