Final answer:
The purpose of Mr. Douglas' speech at the abolition meeting in New York was to support the abolition of slavery. As a prominent abolitionist and gifted speaker, Frederick Douglass (often confused with Stephen Douglas) used his platform to advocate for the end of slavery and to mobilize anti-slavery sentiment. Option B is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of Mr. Douglas' speech at the abolition meeting in New York was B. To support the abolition of slavery. Historical evidence clearly shows that figures like Frederick Douglass, who is likely the intended reference here, were fervent abolitionists and influential speakers against the institution of slavery. Douglass, after escaping from slavery, became a powerful orator within the abolitionist movement. His speeches and writings were aimed at advocating for the immediate end of slavery and were powerful against the pro-slavery sentiment at the time.
The context of the debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln also shows that the Democratic senator Douglas advocated for the extension of slavery into new territories via the concept of popular sovereignty, but his Freeport Doctrine suggested that the territories could exclude slavery through local laws. However, in the context of abolition meetings, such as those Frederick Douglass would have attended, speeches would have been focused on advocating for ending slavery, not supporting its expansion or continuation.