Whitelaw Reid: “Our Constitution has entrapped us in no impasse, where retreat is disgrace and advance is impossible.”

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.

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…

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.