Skip to content

Affair Quote by Rutherford B. Hayes

“Let me assure my countrymen of the Southern States that it is my earnest desire to regard and promote their truest interest - the interests of the white and of the colored people both and equally and to put forth my best efforts in behalf of a civil policy which will forever wipe out in our…” quote by Rutherford B. Hayes
Download Open image
“Let me assure my countrymen of the Southern States that it is my earnest desire to regard and promote their truest interest - the interests of the white and of the colored people both and equally and to put forth my best efforts in behalf of a civil policy which will forever wipe out in our political affairs the color line and the distinction between North and South, to the end that we may have not merely a united North or a united South, but a united country.”

Rutherford B. Hayes

About This Quote

Source Speech: Reconciliation Address, 1877

Hayes pledged equal treatment for all races, aiming to erase sectional and color divisions for national unity.

In simple terms: He promised fairness for both white and Black citizens.

Key Takeaway

Support policies that promote true equality.

Themes

reconciliation equality national unity

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • post‑war reconstruction
  • legislative reform
  • community building

Key Concepts

civil rights political compromise

Questions to Reflect On

  • What concrete actions can bridge racial divides?
  • How can we measure progress toward unity?
A Different Perspective

Achieving genuine equality requires confronting entrenched biases.

4.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Rutherford B. Hayes

Explore all 129 Rutherford B. Hayes quotes

More Affair quotes

Browse all 2,218 Affair quotes