Political Quotes

On the record
Conkling, one of the most brilliant speakers in the Senate, although a member of that distinguished body for many years, is not the author of any beneficial act of legislation.
Said by
Orange Jacobs
Republican · Washington

Editor's note · Context

Jacobs reflects on the limitations of Senator Conkling's contributions despite his speaking prowess.

Share

More from Orange Jacobs

This is particularly true of speeches founded on a dreary array of facts and statistics.

gutenberg.org

Every act of legislation ought by clear and accurate provisions cover every element of the subject matter stated in the title.

gutenberg.org

The human judgment is imperfect--and prescience is limited--hence any approach to perfection in the system itself, or in its administrative provisions, is a matter of evolution of slow growth--and of the survival of the fittest.

gutenberg.org

Had I accepted this offer, it would have changed the whole course and direction of my life, and I probably would have continued in that line of work to this day.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation