Whitelaw Reid: “How else have these blessings been generally diffused?”

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.

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

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.