Franklin may . . . be ...

Franklin may . . . be considered one of the founding fathers of American democracy, since no democratic government can last long without conciliation and compromise.
 Samuel Eliot Morison

Quotes from the same author

Skepticism is an important historical tool. It is the starting point of all revision of hitherto accepted history.
 Samuel Eliot Morison
Intellectual honesty is the quality that the public in free countries always has expected of historians; much more than that it does not expect, nor often get.
 Samuel Eliot Morison
With honesty of purpose, balance, a respect for tradition, courage, and, above all, a philosophy of life, any young person who embraces the historical profession will find it rich in rewards and durable in satisfaction.
 Samuel Eliot Morison
If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worthwhile.
 Samuel Eliot Morison