Whitelaw Reid: “No matter what we wish, the old continental isolation is gone forever.”

And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.

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…

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

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.