o traitor breathed the air of this capital
wearing a black skin. Through all the gradations of traitors, from
Wirz to Jeff. Davis, criminal eyes beamed from white faces. Through
all phases of treason, from the bold stroke of Lee upon the
battle-field to the unnatural sympathy of those who lived within this
District, but hated the sight of their country's flag, runs the blood
which courses only under a white surface. While white men were fleeing
from this city to join their fortunes with the rebel cause, the
returning wave brought black faces in their stead. White enemies went
out, black friends came in. As true as truth itself were these poor
men to the cause of this imperiled nation. Wherever we have trusted
them, they have been true. Why will we not deal justly by them? Why
shall we not, in this District, where the first effective legislative
blow fell upon slavery, declare that these suffering, patient, devoted
friends of the republic shall have the power to protect their own
rights by their own ballots? Is it because they are ignorant? Sir, we
are estopped from that plea. It comes too late. We did not make this
inquiry in regard to the white voter. It is only when we see a man
with a dark skin that we think of ignorance. Let us not stand on this
now in relation to this District. The fact itself is rapidly passing
away, for there is no other part of the population of the District so
diligent in the acquisition of knowledge as the colored portion. In
spite of the difficulties placed in their pathway to knowledge by the
white residents, the colored people, adults and children, are pressing
steadily on.

"Taken as a class, they surely show themselves possessed of enough of
the leaven of thrift, education, morality, and religion to render it
safe for us to make the experiment of impartial suffrage here. Let us
make the trial. A failure can work no great harm, for to us belongs
the power to make any change which the future may show to be
necessary. How can we tell whether success or failure shall be the
fruit of a practical application of the principles upon which our
institutions rest, unless we put them to a fair test? Give every man a
fair chance to show how well he can discharge the duties of fully
recognized citizenship. This is the way to solve the problem, and in
no other way can it be determined. That success will attend the
experiment I do not doubt. Others believe the result will prove quite
the reverse. Who is