Benjamin F. Wade Quotes & Sayings

“I am not unconscious of the persuasive power exerted by these considerations to drag men along in the current; but I am not at liberty to travel that road.”

“To morrow, I believe, is to be an eclipse of the sun, and I think it perfectly meet and proper that the sun in the heavens, and the glory of the Republic should both go into obscurity and darkness together.”

“But, sir, I shall take the path of duty and shall not swerve from it.”

“I know how easy it is for some minds to glide along with the current of popular opinion, where influence, respectability, and all those motives which tend to seduce the human heart are brought to bear.”

“Sir, I am no sycophant or worshipper of power anywhere.”

“As a Senator I am opposed to duelling. As Ben. Wade, I recognize the code.”

“You can never conquer us, we will die first.”

“I may fall here in the Senate chamber, but I will. never make any compromise with any such men.”

“The humiliation of the North is complete and overwhelming.”

“I do not pretend to know precisely what is on foot there; but I think it pretty evident that there is a very free communication between that country and this body, and unless I am greatly mistaken, I see the dwarfish medium by which that communication is kept up.”