Now the real problem, the national problem, involves the question, whether, after all our boasted civilization, our Declaration of Independence, our matchless constitution, our sublime Christianity, our wise statesmanship; whether we as a people possess virtue enough to solve this problem in accordance with wisdom and justice and to the advantage of both races.

But call this problem what you may, or will, the all important question is: Can it be resolved?  How can the peace and tranquility of the South, and of the country, be secured and established?

There is nothing occult or mysterious about the answer to this question. Some things are to be kept in mind when dealing with this subject and never be forgotten. It should be remembered that in the order of Divine Providence the man who puts one end of a chain around the ankle of his fellow man will in time find the other end around his own neck. And it is the same with a nation. "As we sow, we shall reap," is a lesson be learned here as elsewhere. We tolerated slavery, and it cost us a million graves, and it may be that lawless murder now raging, if permitted to go on, may yet bring the red hand of vengeance upon us all.

I will tell you now how this national problem can not be solved. It cannot be solved by keeping the Negro poor, degraded, ignorant, and half-starved, as is now being done in Southern states.

It cannot be solved by keeping back the wages of the Negro by fraud, by paying him dishonest script for his honest labor.

It cannot be done by ballot-box stuffing, by falsifying election returns, or by confusing the Negro voter by cunning devices.

It cannot be done by repealing all federal laws enacted to secure honest elections.

It can, however, be done, and very easily done, for where there's a will, there's a way!

Let the white people of the North and South conquer their prejudices.

Let the Northern press and pulpit proclaim the gospel of truth and justice against the war now being made upon the Negro.

Let the American people cultivate kindness and humanity.

In old times when it was asked, "How can we abolish slavery?" the answer was "Quit stealing."

The same is the solution of the Race problem today. The whole thing can be done by simply no longer violating the amendments of the Constitution of the United States, and no longer evading the claims of justice. If this were done, there would be no Negro problem or national problem to vex the south, or to vex the nation.

Let the organic law of the land be honestly sustained and honestly obeyed.

Let the political parties cease to palter in a double sense and live up to the noble declarations we find in their platforms.

Let the statesmen of our country live up to their convictions.

In the language of ex-senator Ingalls: "Let the nation try justice and the problem will be solved."

The question to be asked today ladies and gentleman, the real question; can the Negro be a citizen in these United States of America? This was the question , the true question, of the Dred Scott decision.

Well, can the Negro be educated? Can the Negro be induced to work for himself without a master? Can the Negro be a soldier? Time and events have answered these and all other like questions, unequivocally in the affirmative. We have among us, those who have taken the first prizes as scholars; those who have won distinction for courage and skill on the battlefield; those who have taken rank as doctors, lawyers, and ministers of the gospel; those who shine among men in every useful calling; and yet we are called "a problem;" "a tremendous problem;" a mountain of difficulty; a constant source of apprehension; a disturbing social force. I declare these statements concerning the Negro false and deeply injurious to the colored citizens of this country.

But, my friends, I must stop. But could I be heard by this great nation, I would call to mind the sublime and glorious truths with which this nation, at its birth, it saluted a listening world. Its voice then, was as the tramp of an archangel, summoning hoary forms of oppression to judgment. Crowned heads heard it and shrieked. Toiling masse heard it and clapped their hands for joy. It announced the advent of a nation, a nation based upon human brotherhood and the self-evident truths of liberty and equality. Its mission was the redemption of the world from the bondage of the ages. America I say to you, I ask of you, ney I demand that you apply the truths of your founding fathers to the situation now before you. Apply these sublime and glorious truths to the situation now before you. Put away your race prejudice. Banish the idea that one class must rule over another. Recognize the fact that the rights of the humblest citizen are as worthy of protection as are those of the highest, do this America and your problem will be solved; and, whatever may be in store for you in the future, whether prosperity, or adversity; whether you shall have war or peace; whether it shall have foes without, or foes within, your Republic based upon truth, justice and humanity will stand and flourish forever.