John George Nicolay Quotes

The function of the politician, therefore, is one of continuous watchfulness and activity, and he must have intimate knowledge of details if he would work out grand results.

Lincoln's removal from New Salem to Springfield and his entrance into a law partnership with Major John T. Stuart begin a distinctively new period in his career.

In the early West, law and politics were parallel roads to usefulness as well as distinction.

Activity in politics also produces eager competition and sharp rivalry.

It may be assumed as an axiom that Providence has never gifted any political party with all of political wisdom or blinded it with all of political folly.

Very few men are fortunate enough to gain distinction during their first term in Congress.

Nobody understood better than Mr. Lincoln the obvious truth that in politics it does not suffice merely to nominate candidates. Something must also be done to elect them.

While Lincoln thus became a lawyer, he did not cease to remain a politician.

It is therefore not to be wondered at that Lincolns single term in the House of Representatives at Washington added practically nothing to his reputation.