A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States Quotes

“Men,” says Macaulay, “are never so likely to settle a question rightly, as when they discuss it freely.” The principle is at the basis of free institutions. Its reverse is the apex of despotism. The attempt to suppress discussion has given every advantage to the unterrified partisans on both sides, who assume to fight for truth and rights.”
― Frederick Law Olmsted, A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States

“they have no care for the future this side of heaven, to gain which they must think it was especially provided for them that no works should be necessary.”
― Frederick Law Olmsted, A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States

“to withdraw from the labor of the free poor, the most available land of the country.”
― Frederick Law Olmsted, A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States

“The Constitution of the State has been democratized lately, so that poor people may vote, but no sufficient system of instruction has been instituted; and, though great promises are now made, it is probable, as I have shown, that, while Slavery lasts, there never can be. The majority of the people will, therefore, continue to be amused and used by greedy and ambitious speculators in politics; and, unless the West is more intelligent than it has thus far shown itself to be, the State will yet, for an indefinite time, be wholly ruled by the slave-holders, and everything else will continue, as heretofore, to be sacrificed to what they suppose to be their interests.”
― Frederick Law Olmsted, A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States