Political Quotes

On the record
Battle ships and forts, public buildings, and improved waterways are investments which should be made when we have the money; but abundant revenues and a large surplus always invite extravagance, and constant care should be taken to guard against unnecessary increase of the ordinary expenses of government.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

Here, Roosevelt warns against the dangers of extravagance in government spending despite having a surplus.

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