Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: When we look into the true nature of his authority, he appears to be nothing more than a chief of bumbailiffs…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
When we look into the true nature of his authority, he appears to be nothing more than a chief of bumbailiffs, sergeants-at-mace, catchpoles, jailers, and hangmen.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

From his critique of the French Revolution, Burke describes the diminished authority of the French King under the National Assembly.

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