Adlai Stevenson

That he must have been the most miserable of men, during the greater part of his long life, clearly appears from the following: "There is no person happy who is in public office, or a candidate for office.

If a person would subdue his ambition for office and remain a private citizen, he would be a more happy man.

I sincerely state that I never regarded as important the salary of the office, but I entered public office with a sincere desire to advance the best interest of the country, which was my main reward.

But this contumely and disrespect ought not to deter a good and qualified man from entering the public service, if he is satisfied that the good of the country requires it.

Moreover, a public officer may toil and labor all his best days with the utmost fidelity and patriotism, and the masses who reap the reward of his labors frequently permit him, without any particular fault upon his part, to live and die in…

By no means do I believe a person should be sordid and selfish in all his actions, yet cannot a person be more useful to the public if he possesses talents in other situations than in office?

But were I to live over again another life, I think I would have the moral courage to refrain from aspiring for any office within the gift of the people.

It may be considered vanity and frailty in me, but when I was elected Governor of the State on fair, honorable principles by the masses, without intrigue or management of party or corrupt politicians, I deemed it the decided approbation of…

Some atonement, however, is made for the bad whiskey our model candidate dispensed by the noble sentiment with which he closes this chapter of his contest: "I was, and am yet, one of the people, and every pulsation of our hearts beats in…

I was urged not by politicians, but by reasonable and reflecting men, more to advance the interest of the State than my own.

My only ambition was to acquit myself properly, and to advance the best interests of the country.

Judgment and prudence should be mixed in equal parts with love and affection in the transaction, to secure a lasting and happy union.