Whitelaw Reid: “Individual initiative is a good thing, and our institutions do develop it--and its consequences!”

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.

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

It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.

Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.