Political Quotes

Teddy Roosevelt: “It is not befitting the dignity of the Nation that its most honored public servants should be paid sums so small…”

On the record
It is not befitting the dignity of the Nation that its most honored public servants should be paid sums so small compared to what they would earn in private life that the performance of public service by them implies an exceedingly heavy pecuniary sacrifice.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

Roosevelt argues that it is inappropriate for the nation's honored public servants to earn so little compared to private sector salaries.

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