The measure of freedom the black man enjoys can be gauged by the power he has to vote.

He has, practically, no voice in the government under which he lives.

His property is taxed and his life is jeopardized, by states on the one hand and inefficient police regulations on the other, and no question is asked or expected of him.

When he protests, when he cries out against this flagrant nullification of the very first principles of a republican form of government, the insolent question is asked: "What are you going to do about it ?" And here lies the danger.
You may rob and maltreat a slave and ask him what he is going to do about it, and he can make no reply.

He is bound hand and foot; he is effectually gagged.