The Public Record
Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his quiet demeanor and strong support for business and limited government. Coolidge's presidency is often associated with the economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties, and he famously advocated for a hands-off approach to the economy, believing that government should interfere as little as possible in the lives of citizens and businesses.
There is another matter of general concern, and that is this—that when our relations with a foreign country are in the condition that our relations with some of the Chinese are in at the present time, it is in danger of being quite harmful…
There isn't any division of the Cabinet over the policy that is being pursued in China.
I return without my approval, 'An Act to Hold a Plebiscite of the People of the Philippine Islands on the Question of Philippine Independence.'
In frankness and with the utmost friendliness, I must state my sincere conviction that the people of the Philippine Islands have not as yet attained the capability of full self-government.
There are undoubtedly many Filipinos who desire the immediate independence of their country but who also realize the necessity for the protection of the American Government for several years, if not indefinitely.
Submitting to the vote of the people the question of independence, unless such action is requested by the Congress of the United States, can be but disturbing to good relations.
The standards of living have been raised, a splendid educational system established, the fundamental rights of the people preserved.
The best security to the Philippine Islands is the protection of and by the United States.
There are some 125 or 150 Americans still within the city supposed to be at the University and their safety is naturally giving us a good deal of concern.
The information I have is that it was almost entirely by soldiers who are in the Cantonese uniform.
I think we have sufficient forces there for rescue purposes and to do everything that could be done in that direction.
Of course, it is difficult to say, but so far as we can foresee it would appear that we now have sufficient forces in China to take care of such Americans there as need to be cared for.
We think we have a sufficient force to protect our people at Shanghai.
The Navy Department has reported to me that their information is that one American there has been killed and the American Consulate attacked and the Consul and his staff driven out.
I don't know whether I shall be able to go to the dedication of, I think this is Wicker Park, near Hammond, Indiana.
We have some peculiar interests in Nicaragua, on account of our right to build a canal there and establish a naval station.
To take on a permanent obligation of the nature that I understand is contemplated in the suggestion of President Diaz would be, I think, a little farther than this Government would wish to go.
I do so again in the belief that no other of our internal problems is of greater moment than the rehabilitation of our forests, now so hopefully begun but needing the strong support of our collective will and intelligence.
American Forest Week gives a useful opportunity for taking counsel on what can and should be done to bring these neglected and waiting lands into use.
In accordance with the custom established by my predecessor, I have yearly proclaimed an American Forest Week.
I can not escape the conviction that our industrial and agricultural stability will be strengthened by bringing into full productive use this great empire of land.
Politicians like Calvin Coolidge
