Whitelaw Reid: “They were far more eager than any others to secure the advantages of education for themselves, and especially for their…”

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.

It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.

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

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.