We are firmly convinced, and we act on that conviction, that with nations as with individuals our interests soundly calculated will ever be found inseparable from our moral duties, and history bears witness to the fact that a just nation is trusted on its word when recourse is had to armaments and wars to bridle others.

Industry, commerce and security are the surest roads to the happiness and prosperity of people.

The wise know too well their weakness to assume infallibility; and he who knows most knows best how little he knows.

I am... for freedom of the press, and against all violations of the Constitution to silence by force and not by reason the complaints or criticisms, just or unjust, of our citizens against the conduct of their agents.

An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will.

Our civil rights have no dependence upon our religious opinions more than our opinions in physics or geometry.

The best defense of democracy is an informed electorate.