They were all saucy and worthless; wouldn’t work a bit more than enough to keep soul and body together; charged two or three prices always, and still would rather steal than work any day; would dance all night and be good for nothing next day; were fearfully licentious; and, in short, were an unmitigated nuisance.
Reid critiques the work ethic and behavior of a certain group, reflecting on societal issues.
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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.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.
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.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.