Whatever may be the temporary applause of men, or the expressions of public opinion, it may be asserted without fear of contradiction, that no true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.

War crushes with bloody heel all justice, all happiness, all that is Godlike in man. In our age there can be no peace that is not honorable; there can be no war that is not dishonorable.

Without knowledge there can be no sure progress. Vice and barbarism are the inseparable companions of ignorance. Nor is it too much to say that, except in rare instances, the highest virtue is attained only through intelligence.

From the beginning of our history the country has been afflicted with compromise. It is by compromise that human rights have been abandoned.

The slave power dares anything, and it can be conquered only by the united masses of the people. From Congress to the people, I appeal.

There are two sorts of pity: one is a balm and the other a poison; the first is realized by our friends, the last by our enemies.

No true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.