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.

It is confidently believed that our system may be safely extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial limits.

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.

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

We must ever mandate the principle that the people of this continent alone have the right to decide their own destiny.

No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.

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