Whitelaw Reid: “The practical common sense of the American people will soon see that any other course is disastrous.”

Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.

In this way they will surely overcome unjust hostility, and convince even the most prejudiced that the denial to them of any right which citizens may properly exercise is equally unwise and wrong.

And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.

Ordinarily the simple performance of duty is so blessed of God, that men who live in the doing of it, are the best off, in all respects, even in this world.