Whitelaw Reid: “It is more important to observe that they exhibit the industry which deserves prosperity, and, in most cases, the thrift…”

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

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.

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.