On the record
Because it’s the thing to display distinguished consideration to these fellows, in order to convince them that we’re willing to forget the past, if they’ll only be good enough to do the same.
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “Because it’s the thing to display distinguished consideration to these fellows, in order to convince them that we’re…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid critiques the practice of showing excessive deference to former Rebels in hopes of reconciliation.
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Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
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.
Let me repeat, that I think it best for all men—white men, black men, and brown men, if you make that distinction, that all men of proper age and unconvicted of crime, should have the right of 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.