On the record
Resist the first insidious effort to change the character of this Union by leaving the continent.
Said by
Whitelaw Reid
Source
gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “Resist the first insidious effort to change the character of this Union by leaving the continent.”
Editor's note · Context
Reid warns against the initial steps that could lead to a change in the character of the American Union by expanding beyond the continent.
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Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.
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.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.