I
see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes
me to tremble for the safety of my country... corporations have been
enthroned, and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the
money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by
working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is
aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this
moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even
in the midst of war.
–
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) letter to Colonel
William F. Elkins, 21 Nov 1864.