Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men's views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the Field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere -- so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive -- that they better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.

Summary

This quote suggests that the speaker, who is in politics, has often been approached by influential men who privately express their fear of a powerful entity. These men, who are prominent figures in commerce and manufacturing, believe in the existence of an organized, subtle, watchful, interlocked, complete, and pervasive force. Due to the seemingly omnipotent nature of this power, these influential individuals feel the need to be cautious and refrain from openly criticizing it, speaking in hushed tones to avoid its potential consequences.

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