I cannot believe, Mr.Chairman, that this convention can be induced to favorably consider any proposition, the effect of which will be to sanction and approve the questionable methods by which the colored Republicans in several Southern States have been disfranchised.

I cannot believe that this convention can be induced to favorably consider any proposition, the effect of which will be the sending of a message of sympathy and encouragement to the Democrats of North Carolina, who are now engaged in an effort to disfranchise the colored Republicans of that State.
"The colored Americans ask no special favors as a class,--and no special protection as a race.

All they ask and insist upon is equal civil and political rights, and a voice in the government under which they live, and to which they owe allegiance, and for the support of which they are taxed.

They feel that they are entitled to such consideration and treatment, not as a matter of favor but as a matter of right.

They came to the rescue of their country when its flag was trailing in the dust of treason and rebellion, and freely watered the tree of liberty with the precious and patriotic blood that flowed from their loyal veins.
"There sits upon the floor of this convention to-day a distinguished gentleman whose name is upon the lips of every patriotic American citizen.