On the record
Perhaps policy would prevent the choice of just those men; but the only change would be in the substitution of persons with the same principles and less ability.
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Whitelaw Reid
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gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “Perhaps policy would prevent the choice of just those men; but the only change would be in the substitution of persons…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid reflects on the potential political outcomes in the post-Civil War South, emphasizing the continuity of principles despite changes in personnel.
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In this way they will surely overcome unjust hostility, and convince even the most prejudiced that the denial to them of any right which citizens may properly exercise is equally unwise and wrong.
It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.