Calvin Coolidge

One of the most encouraging features of the commission's work thus far has been the agreement in principle among the naval experts of a majority of the powers parties to the Washington treaty limiting naval armament upon methods and…

In our efforts to adjust our international obligations we have met with a response which, when everything is considered, I believe history will record as a most remarkable and gratifying demonstration of the sanctity with which civilized…

We know that the sentiments which we entertain toward all other nations are those of the most sincere friendship and good will and of all unbounded desire to help, which we are perfectly willing to have judged by their fruits.

At the same time we are a nation among nations and recognize a responsibility not only to ourselves, but in the interests of a stable and enlightened civilization, to protect and defend the international rights of our Government and our…

Our place is sufficiently established so that we need not be sensitive over trifles.

We are strong enough so that no one can charge us with weakness if we are slow to anger.

We look with disfavor upon all aggressive warfare.

All the world knows that the whole extent of our influence is against war and in favor of peace, against the use of force and in favor of negotiation, arbitration, and adjudication as a method of adjusting international differences.

We have no possessions that are coveted by others; they have none that are coveted by us.

The American people are altogether lacking in an appreciation of the tremendous good fortune that surrounds their international position.

It is our purpose to promote understanding and good will between ourselves and all other people.

It is one of peace based on that mutual respect that arises from mutual regard for international rights and the discharge of international obligations.

But for any of our inhabitants to observe such parts of the Constitution as they like, while disregarding others, is a doctrine that would break down all protection of life and property and destroy the American system of ordered liberty.

Those who entertain such sentiments have a perfect right to seek through legal methods for a change.

Some people do not like the amendment, some do not like other parts of the Constitution, some do not like any of it.

Especially those in public places, who have taken their oath to support the Constitution, ought to be most scrupulous in its observance.

Legislation for the return of this property, accompanied by suitable provisions for the liquidation of the claims of our citizens and our Treasury, should be adopted.

As this property is security for the claims of our citizens and our Government, we can not relinquish it without adequate provision for their reimbursement.

It has always been the policy of America to hold that private enemy property should not be confiscated in time of war.

While I approve of proper relief for all suffering, I do not favor any further extension of our pension system at this time.

At the last session we increased our annual expenditure for pensions and relief on account of the veterans of three wars.

But it is in the case of the, disabled and the dependents that the Government exhibits its greatest solicitude.

This country, not only because it is bound by honor but because of the satisfaction derived from it, has always lavished its bounty upon its veterans.

For us to do any less would be to disregard our obligations, evade our responsibilities, and jeopardize our national honor.

While we are and shall continue to be armed it is not as a menace, but rather a common assurance of tranquility to all the peaceloving people of the world.