Whitelaw Reid: “Since when has it been statesmanship to shut our eyes to the interests of our own country, and patriotism to consider…”

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.

They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.

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.

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