Whitelaw Reid: “It was the solitary monument left to tell the tale of the ruin rebellion had brought to that community.”

May it not prove, moreover, in that work of reorganization, which now engages the thoughts of all patriotic men, that universal suffrage is the best reconciler of the most comprehensive lenity with the most perfect public security and the…

It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.

He who has that right will usually respect himself more, be more respected, perform more, and more productive work, and do more to increase the wealth and welfare of the community, than he who has it not.

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