“It were but reasonable to hope that this sacred influence should never have been overshadowed, and that in the history of other nations, no less than in our own past, we might find beacon-lights for our guidance. In part this has been realized, and might have reached the height of our expectations if it had not been for the blasting effects of slavery, whose deadly pall has so long spread its folds over this nation, to the destruction of peace, union, and concord. Most particularly has its baneful influence been felt in the south, causing the people to be at once restless and discontented. Even now, sir, after the great conflict between slavery and freedom, after the triumph achieved at such a cost, we can yet see the traces of the disastrous strife and the remains of disease in the body-politic of the south. In proof of this witness the frequent outrages perpetrated upon our loyal men. The prevailing spirit of the southron is either to rule or to ruin. Voters must perforce succumb to their wishes or else risk life itself in the attempt to maintain a simple right of common manhood.”

Source: A Swiftly Tilting Planet

Speech in Manchester (12 September 1918), quoted in The Times (13 September 1918), p. 8
Prime Minister

2000s, 2004, Signing of Secure Fence Act of 2006

Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916)

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)
Context: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, fellow citizens. As we gather tonight, our nation is at war, our economy is in recession, and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet the state of our Union has never been stronger.

Vision for Scotland in the European Union (December 12, 2007)

From the Letters of Lord Byron (2 January 1817), p. 6.
Lord Byron's Armenian Exercises and Poetry (1870)

Vision for Scotland in the European Union (December 12, 2007)