Whitelaw Reid: “Now that the Republic was beginning a new life, could it longer refuse them such rights as the Empire had accorded?”

They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.

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…

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.

It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.