Robert Walpole, a British statesman, is considered the first "de facto" Prime Minister of Great Britain. Serving for over two decades in the 18th century, Walpole's tenure marked a significant shift in British governance, consolidating executive power in the hands of the prime minister. His leadership style and political strategies were instrumental in stabilizing the government during a period of uncertainty. Walpole's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of political stability, governance, and the ability to navigate complex political environments to serve the needs of the nation.
"Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practised."
"But I have the satisfaction, at the same time, to reflect that the impression to be made depends upon the consistency of the charge and the motives of the prosecutors."
"The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!"
"But I must think that an address to his majesty to remove one of his servants, without so much as alleging any particular crime against him, is one of the greatest encroachments that was ever made upon the prerogatives of the crown."
"And therefore, for the sake of my mater, without any regard for my own, I hope all those that have a due regard for our constitution and for the rights and prerogatives of the crown, without which our constitution can not be preserved, will be against this motion."
"The public treasure has been duly applied to the uses to which it was appropriated by Parliament, and regular accounts have been annually laid before Parliament, of every article of expense."
"Some members of both Houses have, it is true, been removed from their employments under the Crown; but were they ever told, either by me or by any other of his majesty's servants, that it was for opposing the measures of the administration in Parliament?"
"No expense has been incurred but what has been approved of and provided for by Parliament."