Whitelaw Reid: “Of course, then, it’s all smooth sailing in business intercourse; but…”

On the record

Of course, then, it’s all smooth sailing in business intercourse; but, in the bottom of their hearts, how they must despise us!

Said by

Whitelaw Reid

Source

Reid reflects on the superficiality of business relations with former Rebels, suggesting underlying contempt.

More from Whitelaw Reid

It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.

And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.

They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.

It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.

Whitelaw Reid: “Of course, then, it’s all smooth sailing in business intercourse; but, in the bottom of their hearts, how they must…”