Political Quotes

Josiah Quincy: “In his hands was lodged the power of reward and punishment, to be exercised ruthlessly for party support and…”

On the record
In his hands was lodged the power of reward and punishment, to be exercised ruthlessly for party support and perpetuation; resulting, in the higher departments, in tame submission to the will of the chief, and, in the lower, in the adoption of the detestable maxim that all is fair in politics.
Said by
Josiah Quincy
Federalist · Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Quincy critiques the political practices of the time, highlighting the misuse of power for party loyalty.

Share

More from Josiah Quincy

The argument for the annexation, or reännexation, of Texas is as gross an imposture as ever was palmed upon the credulity of an honest people.

gutenberg.org

Texas and slavery are interwoven in every banner floating on the Democratic breeze. 'Freedom or death' should be inscribed on ours.

gutenberg.org

May the Ruler of the universe preserve you from such degradation! 'Freedom!

gutenberg.org

He knew how little a majority of the men of his own time were disposed or qualified to estimate his character with justice.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation