We are in the Philippines, as we are in the West Indies, because duty sent us; and we shall remain because we have no right to run away from our duty, even if it does involve far more trouble than we foresaw when we plunged into the war that entailed it.
Reid discusses the U.S. presence in the Philippines and the moral obligation to remain there despite challenges.
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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.
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.
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.