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Republic of Liberia adopted a Constitution, of which the 13th section of Article II reads thus:
“The great object of forming these colonies being to provide a home for the dispersed and oppressed children of Africa, and to regenerate and enlighten this benighted continent none but persons of color shall be admitted to citizenship in this Republic.”
But, ladies and gentlemen, I feel that I have trespassed too much upon your patience if I think I have adhered to my promise made at the commencement of my remarks; I have studiously avoided any attempts at eloquence, and I have given you my views in an honest, plain and practical manner. I would have been glad to have touched on other questions of importance, but it is time that I should close. In conclusion, let me appeal to you, as lovers of your country, to discard all personal controversies and irritating discussions calculated to divide Union men, and to sink all minor questions into the great one of unconditional loyalty to the Union. Let us imitate the noble example of our brethren in the great States of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, whose unconditional devotion to the Union has crushed out all other questions; and who, in their love of country, have cast aside all former party differences, have ceased for a time to be Republicans or Democrats, have divided on no minor issues, but have, in their recent elections, nominated Union men, and have worthily achieved a most glorious Union victory.
The speaker was frequently interrupted by loud and enthusiastic demonstrations of applause, and when he retired the people seemed to regret that he did not continue to talk on, for he could have held them listening all the night long.
