All distinctions of birth or of rank have been abolished. All citizens, whether native or adopted, are placed upon terms of precise equality. All are entitled to equal rights and equal protection.

I cannot, whilst President of the United States, descend to enter into a newspaper controversy.

No union exists between church and state, and perfect freedom of opinion is guaranteed to all sects and creeds.

The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves.

There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.

Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government.

Under the blessings of Divine Providence... It becomes us, in humility, to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored.