It is certainly true that when the war began neither Congress nor the people of the United States cherished an intention to hold Cuba permanently, or had any further thought than to pacify it and turn it over to its own people.
Reid reflects on the initial intentions of the United States regarding Cuba at the onset of the war.
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They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
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.