The problem to solve is, whether a single or a double government would be most advantageous; and, in considering that point, I am met by this difficulty - that I cannot see that the present form of government is a double government at all.
Richard Cobden

The progress of freedom depends more upon the maintenance of peace, the spread of commerce, and the diffusion of education, than upon the labors of cabinets and foreign offices.
Richard Cobden

This great oracle of the East India Company himself admits that, if there is no power vested in the Court of Directors but that of the patronage, there is really no government vested in them at all.
Richard Cobden

Treaties of peace, made after war, are entrusted to individuals to negotiate and carry out.
Richard Cobden

Wars have ever been but another aristocratic mode of plundering and oppressing commerce.
Richard Cobden

You may keep Turkey on the map of Europe, you may call the country by the name of Turkey if you like, but do not think you can keep up the Mahommedan rule in the country.
Richard Cobden