Quote#Politics & Power
I stand, said Mr. Fox, upon this great principle. I say that the…
Quote byCharles James Fox · 1749–1806
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Speech in the House of Commons (27 February 1786), quoted in The Speeches of the Right Honourable Charles James Fox, in the House of Commons. Vol. III (1815), p. 201.
English (original)
I stand, said Mr. Fox, upon this great principle. I say that the people of England have a right to control the executive power, by the interference of their representatives in this House of parliament. The right honourable gentleman [William Pitt] maintains the contrary. He is the cause of our political enmity.
— Charles James Fox
More from Charles James Fox
Kings, Sir, govern by means of popular assemblies, only because they cannot do without them; to suppose a king fond of that mode of governing, is to suppose a chimera.
Gentlemen, the malicious and groundless Reports which have been spread, make it necessary for me to assure you, that notwithstanding all that has been said, I never have supported, nor ever will support, any Measure which can by any Means …
What acquaintance have the people at large with the arcana of political rectitude, with the connections of kingdoms, the resources of national strength, the abilities of ministers, or even with their own dispositions? ... I pay no regard …
Religion was best understood when least talked of.
There is no man who hates the power of the crown more, or who has a worse opinion of the Person to whom it belongs than I.
It is intolerable that it should be in the power of one blockhead to do so much mischief.