I formed them in many cases when they were
shared by a few persons only. But they have made their way,
and prevail. They are the opinions upon which the majority
of the American people have acted, and the reasons which have
controlled that action, seem to me now, in looking backward,
to have been good reasons. I have no regret, and no desire
to blot out anything I have said or done, or to change any
vote I have given.
The duties of a Representative and Senator demand a large
correspondence. I have had always the aid of intelligent and
competent secretaries. Disposing of the day's mail, even
with such aid, is not infrequently a hard day's work, especially
for a man past three score and ten.
Political campaigns in Massachusetts with its small territory
and compact population are easy as compared with most of the
other States. But I have been expected every second year
to make many political speeches, commonly from thirty to forty.
Mr. Blaine, and Mr. Fry, and Mr. Reed, and a great many others
who could be named, were called on for a much larger number.
A man at all prominent in public affairs is also expected
to give utterance to the voice of the people on all great
occasions of joy or sorrow, at high festivals, or at colleges
and schools, on great National anniversaries, when great men
die and great historical events are celebrated.
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