Whitelaw Reid: “Who thinks he can lay his hand on the rugged edge of the Muir Glacier and compel it to advance no farther?”

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

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

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.