On the record
Men now began to talk of their rights, and to argue constitutional points; as if traitors had rights, or treason were entitled to constitutional protection.
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “Men now began to talk of their rights, and to argue constitutional points; as if traitors had rights, or treason were…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid critiques the notion that traitors could claim rights under the Constitution after the Civil War.
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Ordinarily the simple performance of duty is so blessed of God, that men who live in the doing of it, are the best off, in all respects, even in this world.
Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
It has proved, also, that universal suffrage is the surest guarantee and most powerful stimulus of individual, social and political progress.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.