On the record
Men who had voted against secession at the risk of their lives, again and again told me that they were soon forced to go with the current.
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “Men who had voted against secession at the risk of their lives, again and again told me that they were soon forced to go…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid shares testimonies from men who initially opposed secession but felt compelled to conform to the prevailing sentiment.
Share
More from Whitelaw Reid
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
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…
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.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.