Quote#Politics & Power
If you cannot afford to do justice speedily and well, you may as well…
Quote byJohn Russell, 1st Earl Russell · 1792–1878
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Quoted in George W. E. Russell in Prime Ministers and Some Others, 1918, p. 23.
English (original)
If you cannot afford to do justice speedily and well, you may as well shut up the Exchequer and confess that you have no right to raise taxes for the protection of the subject, for justice is the first and primary end of all government.
— John Russell, 1st Earl Russell
More from John Russell, 1st Earl Russell
I am in my politics for reform and nothing but reform.
At the present period, the ministers of the Crown possess the confidence of the House of Commons, but the House of Commons does not possess the esteem and reverence of the people.
What a pity that he who steals a penny loaf should be hung, whilst he who steals thousands of the public money should be acquitted!
It is very odd that in England, where we execute so many, we do not prevent crimes.
Government will always be conducted for the benefit of those who govern. If the few alone govern, the interests of the few only will be provided for; if the people themselves have a share in the government, the interests of the many will …
We cannot confine liberty in this country to one class of men