On the record
What business had government to be interfering with the rights of property?
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “What business had government to be interfering with the rights of property?”
Editor's note · Context
Reid questions the government's interference with property rights, highlighting a common sentiment of the time.
Share
More from Whitelaw Reid
They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.
Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.
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.
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…