..remember that under our institutions there was no middle ground for the negro race between slavery and equal citizenship.

In the minds of most men, the kingdom of opinion is divided into three territories,--the territory of yes, the territory of no, and a broad, unexplored middle ground of doubt.

Right reason is stronger than force.

Great ideas travel slowly, and for a time noiselessly, as the gods whose feet were shod with wool.

For honest merit to succeed amid the tricks and intrigues which are now so lamentably common, I know is difficult; but the honor of success is increased by the obstacles which are to be surmounted. Let me triumph as a man or not at all.

If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.

No man can make a speech alone. It is the great human power that strikes up from a thousand minds that acts upon him, and makes the speech.