Benjamin F. Wade Quotes

Powerful Benjamin F. Wade for Daily Growth

About Benjamin F. Wade

Benjamin Franklin Wade (June 5, 1800 – June 23, 1878) was an influential American politician, a leading voice in the anti-slavery movement, and a key figure during the American Civil War. Born on a farm near Marietta, Ohio, Wade grew up in a family of modest means. His early education was limited due to his family's financial situation, but his strong desire for knowledge led him to teach himself law and politics. In 1823, Wade moved to Mount Vernon, Knox County, where he began his legal career and soon became a prominent attorney. He entered politics in 1836 as a member of the Whig Party, serving as county clerk and prosecuting attorney. In 1851, Wade was elected as Ohio's governor, serving until 1855. His term was marked by a strong commitment to public education and infrastructure development. Wade emerged as a leading abolitionist following the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and threatened the spread of slavery. He joined the newly formed Republican Party and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1856. Wade's uncompromising stance on slavery earned him the nickname "The Grim Necessity." During the American Civil War, Wade served as a vocal critic of President Abraham Lincoln, pushing for harsher measures against the Confederacy. His most significant contribution was the passage of the Wade-Davis Bill in 1864, which required the states to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment and enact stringent Reconstruction policies before readmission into the Union. Although the bill was vetoed by Lincoln, it demonstrated Wade's commitment to radical Reconstruction. Benjamin F. Wade's legacy is significant in the history of American politics and civil rights. His unyielding stance on abolitionism and his advocacy for a more stringent approach to Reconstruction continue to be relevant in discussions about racial equality and social justice in the United States.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It is better that ten guilty persons escape than one innocent suffer."

This quote by Benjamin F. Wade emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in the legal system. It suggests that the protection of individual rights, even if it means allowing some wrongdoers to go free, is a necessary part of maintaining a just society. The implication is that innocent people should never be punished for crimes they did not commit, as this would represent a grave injustice and undermine trust in the legal system.

"Let us have war if it will serve the purpose; but no peace at any price."

This quote by Benjamin F. Wade suggests a strong willingness to engage in conflict, provided that the end goal is worthwhile. It implies a readiness to fight for principles or ideals when necessary, yet it also indicates an unwillingness to compromise on those values. Essentially, Wade's statement underscores a resolve to stand firm even in the face of adversity or disagreement, as long as the ultimate outcome serves a greater good.

"I am not willing to give up one iota of our constitutional rights for the sake of order or expediency."

This quote by Benjamin F. Wade highlights a commitment to preserving the principles and protections enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, irrespective of the pressing demands of order or convenience. It underscores the importance of upholding constitutional rights as a cornerstone of a democratic society, and serves as a reminder that these rights should never be compromised without due consideration for their essential role in safeguarding individual freedoms.

"I had rather be a ridgepole in a hen-coop than a feather in any man's cap."

This quote by Benjamin F. Wade implies that he values integrity, dignity, and independence over personal recognition or popularity. He prefers to be a supporting structure (ridgepole) in an ordinary setting (hen-coop), rather than being just one of many insignificant parts (a feather) contributing to someone else's achievement (their cap). This shows his strong character and his desire for authenticity and self-respect.

"We are fighting for the maintenance of human liberty, not merely for ourselves, but for generations yet unborn."

This quote by Benjamin F. Wade emphasizes a sense of responsibility towards future generations. He suggests that the struggle for freedom and liberty is not solely for the current generation, but it extends to those who will come after us. It underscores the idea that our actions today can have long-lasting impacts on the future, encouraging us to act with foresight, wisdom, and a sense of stewardship for the world we leave behind.

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

- Benjamin F. Wade

Power, I Am, Am, Worshipper

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.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Influence, Some, Brought, Popular Opinion

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

- Benjamin F. Wade

Will, Here, May, Compromise

I am not unaware how unpopular on this floor are the sentiments I am about to advocate.

- Benjamin F. Wade

I Am, How, About, Unaware

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.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Think, I Think, Perfectly, Obscurity

We certainly cannot have any further political connection with the Whigs of the South; they have rendered such connection impossible. An impassable gulf separates us, and must here-after separate us.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Separate, Certainly, South, Gulf

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.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Country, I Think, Very, Greatly

I have always believed, heretofore, in the doctrines of the Declaration of Independence, that all men are born free and equal; but of late it appears that some men are born slaves, and I regret that they are not black, so all the world might know them.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Regret, Some, Appears, Doctrines

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.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Unconscious, Persuasive, Am, Drag

The humiliation of the North is complete and overwhelming.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Complete, North, Humiliation, Overwhelming

Sometimes it leads me even to hesitate whether I am strictly correct in my idea that all men are born to equal rights, for their conduct seems to me to contravene the doctrine.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Sometimes, Idea, Correct, Doctrine

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

- Benjamin F. Wade

Path, Shall, Take, Sir

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

- Benjamin F. Wade

I Am, Code, Opposed, Senator

If a man carries his horse out of a slave State into a free one, be does not lose his property interest in him; but if he carries his slave into a free State, the law makes him free.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Law, Lose, Makes, Carries

I am amazed at the facility with which some men follow in the wake of slavery.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Some, Which, Wake, Amazed

You can never conquer us, we will die first.

- Benjamin F. Wade

Die, Never, Will, Conquer

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