"I did all that in honor could be done to avert the war, but without avail."
"It became inevitable; and the Congress at its first regular session, without party division, provided money in anticipation of the crisis and in preparation to meet it."
"Now I have the satisfaction to announce that the Congress just closed has reduced taxation in the sum of $41,000,000."
"We should not permit our great prosperity to lead us to reckless ventures in business or profligacy in public expenditures."
"The peace which we are pledged to leave to the Cuban people must carry with it the guaranties of permanence."
"May it end without further bloodshed, and there be ushered in the reign of peace to be made permanent by a government of liberty under law!"
"Sectionalism has disappeared."
"Hope maketh not ashamed."
"The prophets of evil were not the builders of the Republic."
"Considering it a matter entirely between that gentleman and his tenants, Messrs. Gardiner and Atkinson, I at that time refused to take any action in the matter whatever."
"Under the circumstances of this case I do not feel at liberty to approve the bill."