Henry Ward Beecher: “But I ask you, fellow-citizens, whether the simple accident of birth…”

On the record

But I ask you, fellow-citizens, whether the simple accident of birth is a basis broad enough for a permanent National party?

Said by

Henry Ward Beecher

Source

Beecher questions the validity of basing a national party solely on birthplace.

More from Henry Ward Beecher

But I think that God sent New-England to these shores as his own messenger of mercy to days and ages, that have yet far to come ere they are born!

But New-England was not raised up by Divine Providence to play a mean part in the world's affairs.

If he must stand by what he is, how surely must he be given over to weakness, to abuse, to oppressions.

It is not a permission of law; it is the inherent right of the individual.

Henry Ward Beecher: “But I ask you, fellow-citizens, whether the simple accident of birth is a basis broad enough for a permanent National…”