Whitelaw Reid: “We believe in the right of secession as much as we ever did; but what…”

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We believe in the right of secession as much as we ever did; but what difference does that make?

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Whitelaw Reid

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A reflection on the belief in secession despite the war's outcome.

More from Whitelaw Reid

Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.

Suppose it to be merely a war in defense of our own just rights and interests.

In November nothing could exceed the hatred which seemed everywhere felt to the freedmen.

But, in the main, they are surprisingly orderly, and cases of serious violence among them are quite rare.

Whitelaw Reid: “We believe in the right of secession as much as we ever did; but what difference does that make?”