These faults you speak of are but the remnants of an old irresponsible life. The majority of our race has turned aside forever from the old beaten paths of slavery into the undiscovered realms of free thought and free action. There was a murmur of applause as he finished speaking. If men are rude and foolish, down they must go. When at last in any race a new principle appears, an idea, that conserves it.
Ideas only save races.
No race is hopelessly lost to the world of progress that produces such manly specimens within fifty years of emancipation. I should like to carry back with me, when I return, a clear realization of the facts in the case as viewed by each party to the question. That is part of my mission in this country. Over ten thousand graves made since the war by mob violence, are dotting the South, and of these ninety per cent are the graves of black men. Free speech and public discussions are not allowed.