The best constitution that the wit of man has ever devised, the best institutions that the ablest statesmen in the world have ever reduced to practice by law or by custom, all these shall be of no avail if they are not vivified by the spirit which makes a State great by making its citizens honest, just, and brave.
Roosevelt emphasizes that laws and institutions are ineffective without the virtue of the citizens.
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More from Teddy Roosevelt
I wish to say that the Progressive Party is making its appeal to all our fellow citizens without any regard to their creed or to their birthplace.
The American people by a great plurality have conferred upon you the highest honor in their gift.
Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.
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