In the universal ferment of opinion and discussion that ensued, the opponents of what is assumed to be the Administration policy on the new possessions have seemed to rely chiefly on two provisions in the Constitution of the United States and a phrase in the Declaration of Independence.
Whitelaw Reid: “In the universal ferment of opinion and discussion that ensued, the opponents of what is assumed to be the…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid analyzes the constitutional arguments raised by opponents of the Administration's policy on new territories.
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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.
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.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.