Sir, we are told do not legislate on this subject; time will bring it about. Give the people time to get over their prejudices.... If left to time the time will never come. Unless this matter is regulated by law, we will not only fail to have these privileges, but Sir, we may look to have all of our rights, one by one or in fell swoop, taken away from us.

Speech introducing civil rights bill to Louisiana Senate [January 1869]