On the record
The right to hold slaves has been destroyed by the military authorities; but, unless the Constitution is destroyed, we have all the powers under it we ever had.
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Whitelaw Reid
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gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “The right to hold slaves has been destroyed by the military authorities; but, unless the Constitution is destroyed, we…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid notes the military's impact on the institution of slavery while asserting constitutional powers remain.
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It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.
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.
May it not prove, moreover, in that work of reorganization, which now engages the thoughts of all patriotic men, that universal suffrage is the best reconciler of the most comprehensive lenity with the most perfect public security and the…