I don't believe merely in my own party; I want the opposition to be strong enough to make a fight.

The people are better satisfied if there's a contest for the offices.

I'm not sorry when we lose occasionally; defeat disciplines and strengthens a party.

I have made a point in our little local affairs of not fighting independents when they break with us for any reason.
Believing as I do that parties are essential, and that schismatic movements are futile, I make a point of not attacking them.

Their failures strengthen the party--and incidentally kill the men who have kicked out of the traces.