ABSTRACT
I am told that in the exercise of power… I must be the instrument of maintaining the opinions and feelings which I myself am disposed to repudiate. With my views of Government… the obligations which it imposes, the duties which it entails, the sacrifices it involves – I am not disposed to add to these sacrifices, by accepting it with a degrading and dishonourable condition… If I exercise power, it shall be upon my conception – perhaps imperfect, perhaps mistaken – but my sincere conception of public duty.
