There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves. To all who entertain such fears I will most respectfully say that I entertain none. If man is not capable, and is not to be trusted with the government of himself, is he to be trusted with the government of others? Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man - for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.

Honest conviction is my courage; the Constitution is my guide.

Washington, DC is 12 square miles bordered by reality.

Tyranny and despotism can be exercised by many, more rigorously, more vigorously, and more severely, than by one.

If the rabble were lopped off at one end and the aristocrat at the other, all would be well with the country.

I hold it the duty of the executive to insist upon frugality in the expenditure, and a sparing economy is itself a great national source.

Duties have been mine; consequences are God's.