The public servant who, without instructions, should in a gush of irresponsible sentimentality abandon great possessions to which his country is justly entitled, whether by conquest or as indemnity for unjust war, would be not only an unprofitable but a faithless servant.
Whitelaw Reid: “The public servant who, without instructions, should in a gush of irresponsible sentimentality abandon great possessions…”
Editor's note · Context
Reid emphasizes the responsibility of public servants to uphold national interests rather than act on personal sentiment.
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