indulging the least in hyperbole to say that he is considered by many the leading editorial writer and all-around newspaper man of his race. He also ranks as an essayist of no mean order, and in the language of Pollok, occasionally 'touches his harp'; and if 'nations' do not 'hear entranced,' they may some day, for the 'fine frenzy' of the poet is largely developed in his mental organism. Seriously, Mr. Fortune has given fugitive verses to the world, at different times, that burned and sparkled with true poetic fire."
The Freeman had a most encouraging career, and Mr. Fortune, no doubt, would have remained its editor, had he not accepted a position upon the editorial staff of The New York Evening Sun, one of the wealthiest papers in the Metropolis. He is one of the few young men who have held a position upon the editorial staff of a leading white daily.
The Freeman having been transferred to Messrs. Fortune and Peterson, its name was changed to The New York Age, under which caption it is now published. Our subject is an editorial contributor to The Age, at present. Frequent references are made to his articles, which are always able and forcible. Hon. Jno. C. Dancy, in The Star of Zion, speaks of him, in reference to his contributions to The Age, as the "watchful paragrapher."
One thing about Fortune's articles is, that he never writes unless he makes somebody wince. When he goes for a thing in his editorials, he generally comes back victorious. He is an adherent to the idea of industrial and elementary education for the Afro-Americans of the South, since, in his judgment, they stand most in need of that kind of an education.
In politics Mr. Fortune has maintained a stand in his writings that few Afro-Americans can afford to take. He has been fierce in his condemnation of corrupting principles, in both the Democratic and Republican parties, but a pleasing
