unfortunate that the Negro was so completely
alienated from the Southern white man in all political matters. I
think it would have been better for all concerned if, immediately
after the close of the war, an educational and property qualification
for the exercise of the franchise had been prescribed that would have
applied fairly and squarely to both races, and, also, if, in educating
the Negro, greater stress had been put upon training him along the
lines of industry for which his services were in the greatest demand
in the South. In a word, too much stress was placed upon the mere
matter of voting and holding political office rather than upon the
preparation for the highest citizenship. In saying what I have, I do
not mean to convey the impression that the whole period of
reconstruction was barren of fruitful results. While it is not a very
encouraging chapter in the history of our country, I believe that this
period did serve to point out many weak points in our effort to
elevate the Negro, and that we are now taking advantage of the
mistakes that were made. The period of reconstruction served at least
to show the world that with proper preparation and with a sufficient
foundation the Negro possesses the elements out of which men of the
highest character and usefulness can be developed. I might name
several characters who were brought before the world by reason of the
reconstruction period. I give one as an example of others: Hon.
Blanche K. Bruce, who had been a slave, but who held many honourable
positions in the State of Mississippi, including an election to the
United States Senate, where he served a full term; later he was twice
appointed Register of the United States Treasury. In all these
positions Mr. Bruce gave the greatest satisfaction, and not a single
whisper of dishonesty or incompetency has ever been heard against him.
During the period of his public life he was brought into active and
daily contact with Northern and Southern white people, all of whom
speak of him in the highest measure of respect and confidence.

What the Negro wants and what the country wants to do is to take
advantage of all the lessons that were taught during the days of
reconstruction, and apply these lessons bravely, honestly, in laying
the foundation upon which the Negro can stand in the future and make
himself a useful, honourable, and desirable citizen, whether he has
his residence in the North, the South, or the West.