Some rules drawn from this experience might be distasteful to people who look upon new possessions as merely so much more government patronage, and quite repugnant to the noble army of office-seekers; but they surely mark the path of safety.
Reid acknowledges that some proposed solutions may be unpopular but are necessary for safe governance.
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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.
Ordinarily the simple performance of duty is so blessed of God, that men who live in the doing of it, are the best off, in all respects, even in this world.
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.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.