It is not befitting the dignity of the Nation that its most honored public servants should be paid sums so small compared to what they would earn in private life that the performance of public service by them implies an exceedingly heavy pecuniary sacrifice.
Roosevelt argues that it is inappropriate for the nation's honored public servants to earn so little compared to private sector salaries.
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The American people by a great plurality have conferred upon you the highest honor in their gift.
No man is worth his salt in public life who makes on the stump a pledge which he does not keep after election; and, if he makes such a pledge and does not keep it, hunt him out of public life.
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