Here, as in other things, you are an example to our colored fellow-citizens in the States. Your success here will vindicate the capacity of colored people for citizenship, and your whole race will be benefited thereby.
Let me speak frankly. Much has been done, but more remains to be done. The great work is not yet accomplished. Until your equality in civil rights is assured, the pillar of your citizenship is like the column in honor of Washington,—unfinished and imperfect. There is constant talk of finishing that column at great cost of money, but the first thing to be done is to finish the pillar of your citizenship. Here I shall gladly work; but I trust that you will all work likewise, nor be content with anything less than the whole.
Accept my thanks and best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,
Charles Sumner.
To the Chairman.
EQUAL RIGHTS OF COLORED FELLOW-CITIZENS IN NORMAL SCHOOLS.
Letter read at a Public Meeting in Washington, June 22, 1873.