I see no reason why Indians who can give satisfactory proof of having by their own labor supported their families for a number of years, and who are willing to detach themselves from their tribal relations, should not be admitted to the benefit of the homestead act and the privileges of citizenship, and I recommend the passage of a law to that effect. It will be an act of justice as well as a measure of encouragement.

What Congress and the popular sentiment approve is rarely defeated by reason of constitutional objections. I trust the measure will turn out well. It is a great relief to me. Defeat in this way, after a full and public hearing before this [Electoral] Commission, is not mortifying in any degree, and success will be in all respects more satisfactory.

Abolish plutocracy if you would abolish poverty.

The bold enterprises are the successful ones. Take counsel of hopes rather than of fears to win in this business.

The reform [of the civil service] should be thorough, radical, and complete.

Conscience is the authentic voice of God to you.

Virtue is defined to be mediocrity, of which either extreme is vice.