Josiah Quincy: “The country is so totally given up to the spirit of party, that not to…”

On the record

The country is so totally given up to the spirit of party, that not to follow the one or the other is an unexpiable offence.

Said by

Federalist · Massachusetts

Source

Quincy critiques the intense partisanship of his time, suggesting that neutrality is seen as a grave offense.

More from Josiah Quincy

They have transmitted that freedom to you; and upon you now devolves the duty of transmitting it unimpaired to your posterity.

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

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

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

Other voices in this conversation

Josiah Quincy: “The country is so totally given up to the spirit of party, that not to follow the one or the other is an unexpiable…”