The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.

Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.

Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.

At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.

A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.

During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington - I call him the first George W. - (laughter and applause) - urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God's protection.

There is every reason to believe that our system will soon attain the highest degree of perfection of which human institutions are capable.