Political Quotes

On the record
He knew well that a little more or less of rhetoric signified nothing; he was only to say plain and equal things--grand things, if he had them; and if he had them not, only to abstain from saying unfit things--and the whole occasion was answered by his presence.
Said by
George F. Hoar
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Hoar reflects on the importance of substance over rhetoric in oratory.

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More from George F. Hoar

Self-seeking political adventurers and demagogues have not been slow to take advantage of this feeling for their own purposes.

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As it is, the jetties have been of great value and well worth their cost.

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Judge Hoar never doubted that the service of a clean, able, upright Circuit Court, appointed without political influence, and entirely acceptable to the public, was well worth the sacrifice.

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What was said helped to arouse public attention, and the masses of the people--always pure and incorruptible--set themselves earnestly and successfully to reform the abuses.

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