Whitelaw Reid: “But, in the main, they are surprisingly orderly, and cases of serious violence among them are quite rare.”

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.

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

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

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.