The time has fully arrived when they should have their position in parties more fully defined, and when, by the ballot which they hold, they should force more respect for the rights of life and property.
To do this, they must adjust themselves to the altered condition which surrounds them.

They must make for themselves a place to stand.

In the politics of the country the colored vote must be made as uncertain a quantity as the German and Irish vote.

The color of their skin must cease to be an index to their political creed.

They must think less of "the party" and more of themselves; give less heed to a name and more heed to principles.
The black men and white men of the South have a common destiny.
Circumstances have brought them together and so interwoven their interests that nothing but a miracle can dissolve the link that binds them.