We are no longer a weak Nation, thinking mainly of defense, dreading foreign imposition.
Calvin Coolidge
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.
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No expenditure of public money contributes so much to the national wealth as for building good roads.
But it seems feasible to provide Government assistance to exports, and authority should be given the War Finance Corporation to grant, in its discretion, the most liberal terms of payment for fats and grains exported for the direct benefit…
I do not favor the permanent interference of the Government in this problem.
Unless we can meet the world market at a profit, we must stop raising for export.
His customer with whom he exchanges products o he farm for those of industry is organized, labor is organized, business is organized, and there is no way for agriculture to meet this unless it, too, is organized.
Simple and direct methods put into operation by the farmer himself are the only real sources for restoration.
No complicated scheme of relief, no plan for Government fixing of prices, no resort to the public Treasury will be of any permanent value in establishing agriculture.
Looked at as a whole, the Nation is in the enjoyment of remarkable prosperity.
Aided by the sound principles adopted by the Government, the business of the country has had an extraordinary revival.
Those who undertake the responsibility of management or employment in this industry do so with the full knowledge that the public interest is paramount, and that to fail through any motive of selfishness in its service is such a betrayal…
This legislation is exceedingly urgent, and essential to the exercise of national authority for the protection of the people.
The need is for action under private ownership that will secure greater continuity of production and greater public protection.
I do not favor Government ownership or operation of coal mines.
Those responsible for the conditions in this industry should undertake its reform and free it from any charge of profiteering.
All of this service must be clean, must be prompt and effective, and it must be administered in a spirit of the broadest and deepest human sympathy.
Those suffering disabilities incurred in the service must have sufficient hospital relief and compensation.
No more important duty falls on the Government of the United States than the adequate care of its veterans.
Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America.
I am convinced that our present economic and social conditions warrant a limitation of those to be admitted.
Either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizens.
For this purpose, it is necessary to continue a policy of restricted immigration.
Real education and true welfare for the people rest inevitably on this foundation, which the Government can approve and commend, but which the people themselves must create.
The humanitarian side of government should not be repressed, but should be cultivated.
If anyone doubts the need of concerted action by the States of the Nation for this purpose, it is only necessary to consider the appalling figures of illiteracy representing a condition which does not vary much in all parts of the Union.
Politicians like Calvin Coolidge
