Robert Dale Owen
Robert Dale Owen
Robert Dale Owenwas a Scottish-born American social reformer who was a longtime exponent in the United States of the socialist doctrines of his father, Robert Owen, as well as a politician in the Democratic Party. He served in Congress, where he successfully pushed through the Smithsonian Institution bill and served on the first Board of Regents...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth7 November 1801
cannot ceremony gives property unjust
Of the unjust rights which in virtue of this ceremony an iniquitous law gives me over the person and property of another, I cannot legally, but I can morally, divest myself.
oppressed perils position public since themselves
How few, since the foundation of the world, have found themselves in a position environed with public perils so numerous, oppressed with responsibilities so high and solemn, as yourself!
above days frank hang highest man nation owe public shall single speak
In days when the public safety is imminently threatened, and the fate of a nation may hang upon a single act, we owe frank speech, above all other men, to him who is highest in authority. I shall speak to you as man to man.
assured country forward future imagine permanent state
Can you look forward to the future of our country and imagine any state of things in which, with slavery still existing, we should be assured of permanent peace? I cannot.
form option question remain time
They feel assured, as to yourself, that if the option remain with you, it is but a question of time and of form when and how a proclamation of emancipation will be issued.
believe trust-no-one may
There is a measure needing courage to adopt and enforce it, which I believe to be of virtue sufficient to redeem the nation in this its darkest hour: one only; I know of no other to which we may rationally trust for relief from impending dangers without and within.
cutting exercise government
The people are forbidden to give aid and comfort to rebels. What of a government that has the power to cut off from aid and comfort all the rebels of the South and fails to exercise it?
past roots people
After voluntary exertions on the part of our people to which the history of the world furnishes no parallel, is the old root of bitterness still to remain in the ground, to sprout and bear fruit in the future as it has borne fruit in the past?
slavery hereafter
We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time.
evil decision mankind
Boldness and decision command, often even in evil, the respect and concurrence of mankind.
idle unanimity
It is idle to await unanimity.
worship worst idolatry
The worship of words is more pernicious than the worship of images. Grammatolatry is the worst species of idolatry.
leadership men emergencies
Men ever follow willingly a daring leader: most willingly of all, in great emergencies.
adventure aquariums noble
Wisdom, prudence, forethought, these are essential. But not second to these that noble courage which adventures the right, and leaves the consequences to God.