Top 32 Quotes by Gerrit Smith

As this is the first time I have had the floor, it may be well for me now to confess, that I am in the habit of freely imputing errors to my fellow-men.

I believe that government is for the use of the people, and not the people for the use of the government.

I do not object to the construction of rail roads and canals.

I welcomed the organization of the Anti-slavery Society.

But as well may you, when urging a man up-hill with a heavy load upon his back, and with your lash also upon his back, tell him, that be has nothing to do either with the load or the lash.

I am a plain man, and I care and know comparatively little about rhetoric.

It, sometimes, suits the slaveholders to claim, that their slavery is an exclusively State concern; and that the North has, therefore, nothing to do with it.

There is room in our ranks for the old and decrepit, as well as the young and vigorous.

I prefer, in a word, the republican system, because it comes up more nearly to God's system.

But, although America cannot be justly charged with violating the rights of Turkey, Turkey nevertheless can be justly charged with violating the rights of America.