Whitelaw Reid: “Their doubts and difficulties deserve the fairest consideration, and are of pressing importance.”

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.

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

It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.