e smallest injustice to the humblest and feeblest of her
children."

Much has been said of the antagonism which exists between the
different races of men. But difference of religion, difference of
nationality, difference of language, and difference of rank and
privileges are quite as fruitful causes of antagonism and war as
difference of race. The bitter strifes between Christians and Jews,
between Catholics and Protestants, between Englishmen and Irishmen,
between aristocracy and the masses are only too familiar. What
causes increase and aggravate these antagonisms, and what are the
measures which diminish and prevent them, ought to be equally
familiar. Under the partial and unjust laws of the Nations of the
Old World men of one nationality were allowed to oppress those of
another; men of one faith had rights which were denied to men of a
different faith; men of one rank or caste enjoyed special
privileges which were not granted to men of another. Under these
systems peace was impossible and strife perpetual. But under just
and equal laws in the United States, Jews, Protestants, and
Catholics, Englishmen and Irishmen, the former aristocrat and the
masses of the people, dwell and mingle harmoniously together. The
uniform lesson of history is that unjust and partial laws increase
and create antagonism, while justice and equality are the sure
foundation of prosperity and peace.

Impartial suffrage secures also popular education. Nothing has
given the careful observer of events in the South more
gratification than the progress which is there going on in the
establishment of schools. The colored people, who as slaves were
debarred from education, regard the right to learn as one of the
highest privileges of freemen. The ballot gives them the power to
secure that privilege. All parties and all public men in the South
agree that, if colored men vote, ample provision must be made in
the reorganization of every State for free schools. The ignorance
of the masses, whites as well as blacks, is one of the most
discouraging features of Southern society. If Congressional
reconstruction succeeds, there will be free schools for all. The
colored people will see that their children attend them. We need
indulge in no fears that the white people will be left be