Calvin Coolidge

We shall utterly fail of our purpose to provide relief unless we look at things as they are.

So we come here not only to discuss providing a remedy for what is now existing, but some protection to ward off what is threatening to be a worse calamity.

We find our citizens, to-day, not so much suffering from the high cost of living, though that is grievous enough, as threatened with an increasing cost which will bring suffering and misery to a large body of our inhabitants.

This right would be but half expressed if it ran only to a remedy after a wrong is inflicted; it should and does run to the prevention of a wrong which is threatened.

It matters not with what power the individual is assailed, nor whether that power is represented by wealth or place or numbers; against it the humblest American citizen has the right to the protection of his Government by every force that…

The great aim of American institutions is the protection of the individual.

To those who fear we are turning Socialists, and to those who think we are withholding just and desirable public aid and support, I say that government under the Republican Party will continue in the future to be so administered as to…

The Republican Party is proposing humanitarian legislation to build up character, to establish independence, not pauperism; it will in the future, as in the past, ever stand opposed to the establishment of one class who shall live on the…

And above all, these remedies must go forward on the firm foundation of an independent, self-supporting, self-governing people.

It ought to be understood that no scheme of insurance and no scheme of government aid is likely to make us all prosperous.

It ought to be understood, however, that there can be no remedy for lack of industry and thrift, secured by law.

Now, social insurance will not be, under a Republican interpretation, any new form of outdoor relief, some new scheme of living on the town.

There remains, however, the condition of sickness, age, misfortune, lack of employment, or some other cause, that temporarily renders people unable to care for themselves.

Seemingly trifling events oft carry in their train great consequences.

Above all, let us not, in our haste to prepare for war, forget to prepare for peace.

Let men in office substitute the midnight oil for the limelight.

We need more of the Office Desk and less of the Show Window in politics.

When you substitute patronage for patriotism, administration breaks down.

I feel the time has come when the people must assert themselves and show that they will tolerate no delay and no parsimony in the care of our unfortunates.

You are entitled to facts, as well as phrases.

The people have no stomach for retrenchment of that sort.

I now repeat that declaration, in spite of contradiction, because I know the citizens of this State have no desire for economies gained at such a sacrifice.

We are falling from that proud estate; crowded housing conditions, corridors used for sleeping purposes, are not only not unusual, but are coming to be the accepted standard.

Massachusetts, for twenty years, has been able honestly to boast of the care it has bestowed upon her sick, poor, and insane.

The good name of the Commonwealth is of more moment to us than party success.