Whitelaw Reid: “They cannot be contemplated with unmixed confidence by any; and to all who think, they must be a source of some grave…”

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.

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.