On the record
But the moment they heard of that proclamation, the late Rebels began to take courage on the question of suffrage, and to suspect that they were not so helpless as they had imagined.
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Whitelaw Reid
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gutenberg.orgWhitelaw Reid: “But the moment they heard of that proclamation, the late Rebels began to take courage on the question of suffrage, and…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid notes a shift in the attitude of former Confederates regarding their political power after a proclamation.
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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.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.
Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.