Whitelaw Reid: “Planted directly in front of the Chinese colossus, on a great territory of our own, we have the first and best chance to…”

They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.

They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.

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.

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.