But, on the other hand, I am not here either to launch charges of treason against any opponent of these policies, who nevertheless loves the institutions founded on these shores by your ancestors, and wishes to perpetuate what they created.
Reid clarifies that he does not intend to accuse opponents of treason, acknowledging their love for the nation.
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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.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.
It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.