In the appointments to the great offices of the government, my aim has been to combine geographical situation, and sometimes other considerations, with abilities and fitness of known characters

As we would like to appoint someone from every geographical region of the state, with only three appointments, we're not always going to be able to do that.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence -- it is force.

A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.

No man is a warmer advocate for proper restraints and wholesome checks in every department of government than I am; but I have never yet been able to discover the propriety of placing it absolutely out of the power of men to render essential services