Now, if South Carolina, and other States occupying her position, are restored to power in the nation, what security have we that all you rebels would continue voting for heavy taxation to pay the debt incurred in whipping you?
Reid questions the reliability of Southern states in supporting taxation to pay off war debts if they regain political power.
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Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
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.
He who has that right will usually respect himself more, be more respected, perform more, and more productive work, and do more to increase the wealth and welfare of the community, than he who has it not.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.