Whitelaw Reid: “Who shall say they were not doing as beneficent a work, or that the little negroes might not well follow them with as…”

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.

Ordinarily the simple performance of duty is so blessed of God, that men who live in the doing of it, are the best off, in all respects, even in this world.

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.