Woodrow Wilson

The heart of this great country is sound.

There is no politics in national defense.

The situation is that America is at peace with all the world and desires to remain at peace with all the world.

It would tear the heartstrings of America to be at war with any of the great nations of the world.

So far as America is concerned no man need go about amongst us preaching peace.

Nothing chills folly like exposure to the air.

The truth is stronger and mightier than any other influence in the world in the long run.

We must be ready to see that America shall remain untouched, because America is too valuable to the world now to allow herself to be touched by this disturbance.

I believe that the message which all men such as sit in this room to-day ought to carry at their hearts is the message of preparation for peace.

We are not asking for armies; we are asking for a trained citizenship.

I know how I would be inclined to sweep aside the minor impediments of the ordinary transactions of government.

America is at peace with all the world because she entertains a real friendship for all the nations of the world.

The judgment of America is not based upon sentiment; it is based upon facts.

We do not claim anything for ourselves which they would not in like circumstances claim for themselves.

I am not looking forward to war; I am looking forward with the greatest ardor and interest to peace and to the services which this country may render the rest of the world in the times of peace and healing and restoration which will…

There may come a time— I pray God it may never come, but it may, in spite of everything we do, come upon us, and come of a sudden—when I shall have to ask: 'I have had my say; who stands back of me? Where is the force by which the majesty…

You have certainly given me a most royal welcome to Kansas City, and I esteem it a very great privilege to deliver the message which I have come to deliver to this great throng of intelligent people.

I have a certain scruple of conscience in being away from Washington for many days at a time, because it is one of the interesting circumstances of the moment that there is hardly a day which does not in some degree alter the aspect of…

But if America suffer, all the world loses its equipoise.

You are counting upon me to see to it that the rights of citizens of the United States, wherever they might be, are respected by everybody.

I would not have come away from Washington had I not believed that there was a stronger compulsion of conscience to acquaint you with the state of affairs than there was to remain during this week at the place of guidance.

You have expected me to see that your energies should be released also along the channels of trade in order that you might serve the world as the only Nation disengaged and ready to serve it.

I have seen editorials written in more than one part of the United States sneering at the number of notes that were being written from the State Department to foreign Governments, and asking, 'Why does not the Government act?'

It is necessary, my fellow citizens, that I should ask you this question, because I do not know how long the mere word and insistence of your Government will prevail to maintain your honor and the dignity and power of the Nation.

Modern wars are not won by mere numbers. They are not won by mere enthusiasm. They are not won by mere national spirit. They are won by the scientific conduct of war, the scientific application of irresistible force.