Whitelaw Reid: “It is a problem that calls for our soberest, most dispassionate, and most patriotic thought.”

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.

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

May it not prove, moreover, in that work of reorganization, which now engages the thoughts of all patriotic men, that universal suffrage is the best reconciler of the most comprehensive lenity with the most perfect public security and the…