Whitelaw Reid: “The mistake made by Northern statesmen, through the whole winter of 1860, was in not believing the South to be in…”

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.

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.