A powerful Navy we have always regarded as our proper and natural means of defense; and it has always been of defense that we have thought, never of aggression or of conquest. But who shall tell us now what sort of Navy to build? We shall take leave to be strong upon the seas, in the future as in the past; and there will be no thought of offense or provocation in that. Our ships are our natural bulwarks.

It would be the irony of fate if my administration had to deal chiefly with foreign affairs.

The masters of the government of the United States are the combined capitalists and manufacturers of the United States.

What we seek is the reign of law, based upon the consent of the governed and sustained by the organized opinion of mankind.

I believe very profoundly in an over-ruling Providence, and I do not fear that any real plans can be thrown off the track. It maynot be intended that I shall be President--but that would not break my heart.

My best training came from my father.

There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.