Whitelaw Reid: “It was no vulgar lust of power that inspired the statesmen and soldiers of the Republic when they resisted the halting…”

Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.

Let me repeat, that I think it best for all men—white men, black men, and brown men, if you make that distinction, that all men of proper age and unconvicted of crime, should have the right of suffrage.

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.