Whitelaw Reid: “I wish to urge that we can only end this conflict by manfully fighting through it.”

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.

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

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

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.