The mighty in their pride walk alone to destruction.
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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Works which endure come from the soul of the people.
The most solemn obligation placed by the Constitution on the Executive is the power to veto its actions.
It is of infinite importance to demonstrate that legislation is used not for the benefit of the legislator, but of the public.
Those in whom is placed the solemn duty of caring for others ought to think of themselves last or their decisions will lack authority.
Not by indulging himself, but by denying himself, will he reach success.
Public acclaim and the ceremonious recognition paid to returning heroes are not on account of their government pay but of the service and sacrifice they gave their country.
No person was ever honored for what he received.
The skill of the physician, the divine eloquence of the clergyman, the courage of the soldier, that which we call character in all men, are not matters of hire and salary.
The realities of life are not measured by dollars and cents.
They seek work and places of responsibility and find in that seeking, not in their pay, their honor.
When membership is sought as a means of livelihood, legislation will pass from a public function to a private enterprise.
For the searching out of great principles on which legislation is based there is no adequate compensation.
There are services rendered to the Commonwealth by senators and representatives that are priceless.
In accord with the principles of our democratic institutions a compensation has been given in order that talent for service rather than the possession of property might be the standard of membership.
Wherever statesmen gather, wherever men love letters, this day's discussion will be read and pondered.
It is a duty we owe alike to the living and the dead.
And in accordance with this sentiment our laws have provided for a formal recognition of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, for in him is revealed our ideal, the hope of our country fulfilled.
It is no accident that before the great example of American manhood our people stand with respect and reverence.
His mortal frame has vanished, but his spirit increases with the increasing years, the richest legacy of the greatest century.
In wisdom great, but in humility greater, in justice strong, but in compassion stronger, he became a leader of men by being a follower of the truth.
The genius and fortitude which conquered then cannot now fail.
Whatever the call of duty now we should remember with gratitude that it is nothing compared with the heavy sacrifice so lately made.
But whatever may be our trials, however difficult our tasks, they are only the problems of peace, and a victorious peace.
This is no gospel of ease and selfishness, or class distinction, but a gospel of effort and service, of universal application.
Politicians like Calvin Coolidge
