Harry Truman

We have imposed our will on none.

The peoples of the earth face the future with grave uncertainty, composed almost equally of great hopes and great fears.

I accept with humility the honor which the American people have conferred upon me.

We are moving on with other nations to build an even stronger structure of international order and justice.

I called the Secret Service men in, and I said, 'We'd better go back to Kansas City, it looks as if I'm elected!'

In no sense did I feel that anything unusual had happened to me.

And I said, 'All right.'

Apparently it was too bad, but it happened!

I hope you will forgive us if we leave you immediately.

Mr. Kaltenborn was saying, 'While the President is a million votes ahead of the popular vote, when the country vote comes in, Mr. Truman will be defeated by an overwhelming majority.'

My dear Governor Dewey: I deeply appreciate your message of congratulations.

My warmest thanks go to you for this renewed evidence of the firmness of the foundation on which our democracy rests.

It is my firm intention to continue to require, throughout the Executive Branch, the highest degree of attention to this need for improved management.

I have already recommended to the Congress two measures which will help us obtain better government.

The proper execution of the laws demands a simple, workable method of making organizational adjustments.

Throughout my administration I have taken action to effect improvements in the organization and operation of the Government.

In my recent messages to the Congress I have presented the program which I believe this Government should follow in the months ahead.

I expect each department and agency head to consider this a major part of his responsibility.

I fully agree with the Commission on the necessity of reviving the reorganization plan procedure, which became inoperative on April 1, 1948.

I think the proposed size of the Air Force is an adequate one.

The budget, as it was sent to the Congress, ought to be supported by all the sections of the defense departments.

I think I included the civil rights in the Message on the State of the Union, and I think it's covered.

I am happy to recommend the convention to the favorable consideration of the Senate.

Mr. Forrestal's remarks say just what they mean.

The purpose of this convention, and the principle underlying it, have my complete and wholehearted approval.