Say what we will, there is something in
human nature which we cannot blot out, which makes one man, in
the end, recognize and reward merit in another, regardless of
colour or race.
I believe it is the duty of the Negro--as the greater part of the
race is already doing--to deport himself modestly in regard to
political claims, depending upon the slow but sure influences
that proceed from the possession of property, intelligence, and
high character for the full recognition of his political rights.
I think that the according of the full exercise of political
rights is going to be a matter of natural, slow growth, not an
over-night, gourd-vine affair. I do not believe that the Negro
should cease voting, for a man cannot learn the exercise of
self-government by ceasing to vote, any more than a boy can learn
to swim by keeping out of the water, but I do believe that in his
voting he should more and more be influenced by those of
intelligence and character who are his next-door neighbours.
I know coloured men who, through the encouragement, help, and
advice of Southern white people, have accumulated thousands of
dollars' worth of property, but who, at the same time, would
never think of going to those same persons for advice concerning
the casting of their ballots.
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