Virginians had not yet learned that their interests in laborers did not end when they ceased to own them; and many seemed to gloat over the facts, as a proof of the wisdom of their own opinions, and of the folly of their anti-slavery enemies.
Reid critiques the attitudes of Virginians towards freed laborers and their failure to recognize their ongoing responsibilities.
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Above all, if there is a trace of politics in their work, or of seeking for political effect at home, they will fail, and deserve to fail.
With her, then, we should most sedulously cherish a cordial friendship, and nothing would tend more to knit our affections than to be fighting once more, side by side, in the same cause.
Is that the feast to be set before the laboring men of this country?
Isn’t it better to have the laws in some way take the matter out of their hands and make them work?