Whitelaw Reid: “In other words, call them freedmen, but indirectly make them slaves again.”

Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.

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

Let me repeat, that I think it best for all men—white men, black men, and brown men, if you make that distinction, that all men of proper age and unconvicted of crime, should have the right of suffrage.

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.