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Mount Rushmore 7/3/91 [OA 8325] [3]
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Mount Rushmore 7/3/91 [OA 8325] [3]
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Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13762
Folder ID Number:
13762-004
Folder Title:
Mount Rushmore 7/3/91 [OA 8325] [3]
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Section:
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G
26
21
5
1
E169
M25
WH
A GUIDE TO NATIONAL
MONUMENTS AND
HISTORIC SITES
Jill MacNeice
PRENTICE HALL
New York
380 I South Dakota
South Dakota 381
II
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The faces of four great American presidents-George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt-are
immortalized in the granite of Mount Rushmore. Together, the figures
of this well-known American icon symbolize the ideals on which the
United States is based. Washington stands for independence, Jeffer-
son for the democratic process, Lincoln for equality, and Roosevelt for
prominence in world affairs.
Gutzon Borglum (actually John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum),
a sculptor of Danish descent, supervised the transformation of this
6,000-foot-high mountain into one of the most famous works of art
in the world. The faces measure 60 feet from chin to crown; each
nose is 20 feet long; the eyes are 11 feet across; the mouths are 18
feet long. If they were fully sculpted, they would stand taller than the
Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
their to vereity
Borglum was a colorful and controversial artist who was friendly
with French sculptor Auguste Rodin. He traveled to the Black Hills
The faces of four American presidents-Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln,
of South Dakota to study the herculean task of carving presidents on
and Theodore Roosevelt-were carved to a scale of men 465-feet tall on
the side of a mountain at the behest of South Dakota state historian
Mount Rushmore.-NPS photograph
Doane Robinson. Borglum picked Mount Rushmore because the rock
was smooth-textured and faced the sun. He worked on this modern-
day colossus from 1927 until his death in 1941. More than 360 people,
15,000 to 25,000 tourists a day troop through the park. The visi-
laboring in 30-man crews, contributed to the construction. The tab
tor center has a 15-minute audio-visual presentation that covers the
came to $990,000.
history of the site. The main view terrace has a seven-minute audio
Borglum deserves credit not only for his artistic achievement, but
presentation. A museum in the center displays tools and techniques
also for the engineering innovations that allowed him to turn moun-
used in construction. The sculptor's studio is open daily from mid-May
tain into monument. His technique started with the blasting of surface
to mid-September. It houses tools and models of the construction.
rock to reveal the granite below, then the precise removal of granite
From mid-May to mid-September, the National Park Service holds a
chunks with dynamite. Suspended over the side of the mountain in
free evening program at the amphitheater, with an introduction by a
harnesses, carvers used jackhammers to flesh out the features. Workers
ranger and a movie, followed by the Star Spangled Banner and lighting
removed the next layer by drilling holes three inches apart over the
of the sculpture.
entire surface then using airhammers to bring out facial details. When
The park has a great variety of wildlife, including mule deer and
the dust had settled, more than 450,000 tons of rock had been removed
white-tailed deer, coyotes and bobcats, porcupines, and smaller mam-
from the side of the mountain. Most of it lies in the heap of boulders
mals. A family of Rocky Mountain goats lives in the area and goats
below.
are occasionally seen scampering over the memorial.
Mount Rushmore is one of the country's best-known memori-
There are no picnic facilities, but a concession sells gifts and oper-
als. Visitation is heavy, especially during the summer months, when
ates a dining room. The park celebrates July 4 each year with afternoon
382 I South Dakota
concerts and speeches, but fireworks are prohibited because the area
is prone to fires. For information about nearby campgrounds, contact
the U.S. Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest, P.O. Box 792,
Custer, SD 5773°. Telephone: 605-673-2250.
TENNESSEE
Open: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from mid-May to mid-Sept., with hours
reduced to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. to May.
Fees: None.
Mailing Address: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, P.O. Box
268, Keystone, SD 57751.
24
Telephone: 605-574-2523.
65
75
81
Getting There: The memorial is 25 miles southwest of Rapid City
2
and three miles from Keystone, SD, on Rt. 244. Transcontinental
Nashville
Knoxville
I
buses and major airlines serve Rapid City.
4
40
40
Memphis
75
24
3
65
1. Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
2. Fort Donelson National Battlefield
3. Shiloh National Military Park
4. Stones River National Battlefield
383
tenberg
Lichtenberg- Jefferson
387
sanguine
1
It may not be natural for man to walk on
the political bands which have connected
rage for
two legs, but it was a noble invention.¹
them with another, and to assume among the
lued pas-
Ib.
powers of the earth the separate and equal
ged from
station to which the laws of nature and of
2 The thing that astonished him was that
has dis-
cats should have two holes cut in their coat
nature's God³ entitle them, a decent respect
ity.
exactly at the place where their eyes are.
to the opinions of mankind requires that they
Ib. 609
Ib.
should declare the causes which impel them
to the separation. We hold these truths to be
interline
self-evident; that all men are created equal;
1 agreea-
Anna Letitia Barbauld
that they are endowed by their creator with
h as left
certain unalienable rights;⁴ that among
nd then
1743-1825
these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap-
3 Say not "Good night"; but in some brighter
piness;⁵ that to secure these rights, govern-
Ib. 643
clime
ments are instituted among men, deriving
Bid me "Good morning."
their just powers from the consent of the gov-
Ode to Life, st. 3
erned;⁶ that whenever any form of govern-
zi
4 This dead of midnight is the noon of thought.
ment becomes destructive to these ends, it is
A Summer's Evening Meditation
the right of the people to alter or to abolish
it, and to institute new government, laying
uch too
its foundation on such principles, and organ-
equious-
Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin
izing its powers in such form, as to them shall
a young
1743-1816
seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness.
5 I am a czar- a slave, I am a worm- a god.
Life of
Declaration of Independence
God [1784]
1ay 1781
[July 4, 1776]
10 We must therefore
hold them [the
William Henry, Duke of Gloucester
British] as we hold the rest of mankind, ene-
her
1743-1805
mies in war, in peace friends.
Ib.
6 Another damned, thick, square book! Al-
11 And for the support of this declaration,
with a firm reliance on the protection of di-
ways scribble, scribble, scribble! Eh! Mr.
sians at
Gibbon?
vine providence, we mutually pledge to each
9, 1813]
other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred
Upon receiving from EDWARD GIB-
honor.
Ib.
ot ruin
BON volume II of the Decline and
ed with
Fall of the Roman Empire [1781].
12 Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is
From Best's Literary Memorials
less remote from the truth who believes noth-
[1813]
ing, than he who believes what is wrong.
Notes on the State of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson2
[1781-1785]. Query 6
dd
1743-1826
13 The Newtonian principle of gravitation is
7 A lively and lasting sense of filial duty is
now more firmly established, on the basis of
more effectually impressed on the mind of a
reason, than it would be were the govern-
e han-
son or daughter by reading King Lear, than
ment to step in, and to make it an article of
[1798],
by all the dry volumes of ethics, and divinity,
necessary faith. Reason and experiment have
istence
that ever were written.
been indulged, and error has fled before
Letter to Robert Skipwith
them.
Ib. 17
of soul
[August 3, 1771]
14 Subject opinion to coercion: whom will you
1908]4
The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at
make your inquisitors? Fallible men; men
8
the same time.
governed by bad passions, by private as well
orm of
Summary View of the Rights of
as public reasons.
Ib. 17
Ib.
British America [1774]
15 Is uniformity [of opinion] attainable? Mil-
lions of innocent men, women, and children,
of real
9 When, in the course of human events, it
1 more
becomes necessary for one people to dissolve
³See Bolingbroke, 329:5, and Pope, 337:16.
Ib.
The phrase is frequently misquoted "inalienable."
¹Se non è vero è ben trovato [If it is not true it is a
All men are born free and equal, and have certain natu-
in the
happy invention]. Attributed to GIORDANO BRUNO
ral, essential and unalienable rights.- Constitution of
Ib.
²His eye, like his mind, sought an extended view.
Massachusetts [1778]
- DUMAS MALONE, Jefferson the Virginian [1940]
⁵See John Adams, 381:8, and Gibbon, 383:9.
See Morison, 382:n3.
See Vico, 324:3, and John Adams, 381:2.
52²
Lincoln
1
I think the necessity of being ready in-
sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within
creases. Look to it.
any state, or designated part of a state, the
Letter (this is the whole message) to
people whereof shall then be in rebellion
Governor Andrew G. Curtin of
against the United States shall be then,
Pennsylvania [April 8, 1861]
thenceforward, and forever free.
Preliminary Emancipation Proc-
2 This is essentially a people's contest
lamation [September 22, 1862]²
It is a struggle for maintaining in the world
that form and substance of government
9
[I feel] somewhat like the boy in Kentucky
whose leading object is to elevate the condi-
who stubbed his toe while running to see his
tion of men-to lift artificial weights from all
sweetheart The boy said he was too big to
shoulders-to clear the paths of laudable
cry, and far too badly hurt to laugh.
pursuit for all-to afford all an unfettered
Reply as to how he felt about the
start, and a fair chance, in the race of life.
New York elections. 3 From Frank
Message to Congress in Special
Leslie's Illustrated Weekly [Novem-
Session [July 4, 1861]
ber 22, 1862]
3 Labor is prior to, and independent of, capi-
10 A nation may be said to consist of its terri-
tal. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and
tory, its people, and its laws. The territory is
could never have existed if labor had not first
the only part which is of certain durability.
existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and
Second Annual Message to Con-
deserves much the higher consideration. Cap-
gress [December I, 1862]
ital has its rights, which are as worthy of
11 If there ever could be a proper time for
protection as any other rights.¹
mere catch arguments, that time surely is
First Annual Message to Congress
not now. In times like the present, men
[December 3, 1861]
should utter nothing for which they would
4 It is called the Army of the Potomac but
not willingly be responsible through time
it is only McClellan's bodyguard
If
and in eternity.
Ib.
McClellan is not using the army, I should like
12 The dogmas of the quiet past are inade-
to borrow it for a while.
quate to the stormy present. The occasion is
Washington, D.C. [April 9, 1862]
piled high with difficulty, and we must rise
5 It is difficult to make a man miserable
with the occasion. As our case is new, SO we
while he feels he is worthy of himself and
must think anew and act anew. We must
claims kindred to the great God who made
disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save
him.
our country.
Address on colonization to a Negro
Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history.
deputation at Washington [August
We of this Congress and this administration
14, 1862]
will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No
personal significance or insignificance can
6 My paramount object in this struggle is to
spare one or another of us. The fiery trial
save the Union, and is not either to save or to
through which we pass will light us down in
destroy slavery. If I could save the Union
honor or dishonor to the last generation. We
without freeing any slave, I would do it; and
say we are for the Union. The world will not
if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I
forget that we say this. We know how to save
would do it; and if I could do it by freeing
the Union. The world knows we do know how
some and leaving others alone, I would also
to save it. We, even we here, hold the power
do that.
and bear the responsibility. In giving free-
Letter to Horace Greeley [August
dom to the slave, we assure freedom to the
22, 1862]
free-honorable alike in what we give and
7
I shall try to correct errors when shown to
what we preserve. We shall nobly save or
be errors; and I shall adopt new views so fast
meanly lose the last, best hope of earth.
as they shall appear to be true views.
I
Other means may succeed; this could not fail.
intend no modification of my oft-expressed
The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just
personal wish that all men, everywhere,
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued one hun-
could be free.
Ib.
dred days later [January 1, 1863].
³The election was a victory for Horatio Seymour, Dem-
8 On the first day of January in the year of
ocratic candidate for governor of New York. Moreover,
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
throughout the North the Democrats picked up a number
of congressional seats and won a number of state elec-
'See Webster, 450:4.
tions.
H
Lincoln
Lincoln
523
|
as slaves within
- a way which if followed the world will
5
The President last night had a dream. He
rt of a state, the
forever applaud and God must forever bless.
was in a party of plain people and as it be-
be in rebellion
Ib.
came known who he was they began to com-
shall be then,
free.
1
Beware of rashness, but with energy and
ment on his appearance. One of them said,
incipation Proc-
sleepless vigilance go forward and give us vic-
"He is a common-looking man." The Presi-
tories.
dent replied, "Common-looking people are
ember 22, 1862
the best in the world: that is the reason the
Letter to Major General Joseph
boy in Kentucky
Hooker [January 26, 1863]
Lord makes SO many of them."
nning to see his
From Letters of John Hay and Ex-
2
was too big to
The Father of Waters again goes unvexed
tracts from His Diary, edited by
0 laugh.
to the sea.
C. L. HAY [December 23, 1863]
e felt about the
Letter to James C. Conkling
S. 3 From Frank
[August 26, 1863]
6
I claim not to have controlled events, but
Weekly [Novem-
confess plainly that events have controlled
3
I have endured a great deal of ridicule
me.
without much malice; and have received a
Letter to A. G. Hodges [April 4,
nsist of its terri-
great deal of kindness, not quite free from
1864]
The territory is
ridicule. I am used to it.
tain durability.
Letter to James H. Hackett
7
The world has never had a good definition
Message to Con-
[November 2, 1863]
of the word liberty. And the American people
cember I, 1862]
Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers
just now are much in want of one. We all
4
brought forth on this continent, a new na-
declare for liberty; but in using the same
proper time for
tion, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
word we do not mean the same thing. With
time surely is
present, men
the proposition that all men are created
some, the word liberty may mean for each
ich they would
equal.
man to do as he pleases with himself and the
through time
Now we are engaged in a great civil war,
product of his labor; while with others the
Ib.
testing whether that nation or any nation SO
same word may mean for some men to do as
conceived and so dedicated can long endure.
they please with other men and the product
ast are inade-
We are met on a great battlefield of that war.
of other men's labor. Here are two, not only
The occasion is
We have come to dedicate a portion of that
different, but incompatible things, called by
1 we must rise
field, as a final resting place for those who
the same name, liberty. And it follows that
3 is new, SO we
here gave their lives that that nation might
each of the things is by the respective parties
new. We must
live. It is altogether fitting and proper that
called by two different and incompatible
I we shall save
we should do this.
names, liberty and tyranny.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate
The shepherd drives the wolf from the
scape history.
- we cannot consecrate- we cannot hallow
sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks
dministration
- this ground. The brave men, living and
the shepherd as his liberator, while the
ourselves. No
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it
wolf denounces him for the same act.
nificance can
far above our poor power to add or detract.
Plainly the sheep and the wolf are not agreed
he fiery trial
The world will little note nor long remember
upon a definition of liberty.
ht us down in
what we say here, but it can never forget
Address at the Sanitary Fair,
neration. We
what they did here. It is for us, the living,
Baltimore [April 18, 1864]
vorld will not
rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished
8
W how to save
I do not allow myself to suppose that either
work which they who fought here have thus
do know how
the convention or the League have concluded
far SO nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be
ld the power
to decide that I am either the greatest or best
here dedicated to the great task remaining
giving free-
man in America, but rather they have con-
before us- that from these honored dead we
eedom to the
cluded that it is not best to swap horses while
take increased devotion to that cause for
crossing the river, and have further con-
we give and
which they gave the last full measure of devo-
obly save or
cluded that I am not SO poor a horse that they
tion; that we here highly resolve that these
pe of earth.
might not make a botch of it in trying to
dead shall not have died in vain; that this
ould not fail.
swap.
nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
Reply to the National Union
nerous, just
freedom; and that government of the people,
League [June 9, 1864]
issued one hun-
by the people, for the people, shall not perish
from the earth.¹
9 Truth is generally the best vindication
Seymour, Dem-
Address at Gettysburg
against slander.
ork. Moreover,
ed up a number
[November 19, 1863]
Letter to Secretary Stanton, refus-
r of state elec-
¹See Wycliffe, 143:12; Webster, 45°:14; Disraeli, 501:6;
ing to dismiss Postmaster-General
Garrison, 505:19; and Parker, 537:15.
Montgomery Blair [July 18, 1864]
524
Lincoln
1
It has long been a grave question whether
drawn with the lash shall be paid by another
any government, not too strong for the liber-
drawn with the sword, as was said three thou-
ties of its people, can be strong enough to
sand years ago, so still it must be said, "The
maintain its existence in great emergencies.
judgments of the Lord are true and righteous
Response to a serenade
altogether."⁴
[November 10, 1864]
With malice toward none, with charity for
2 Human nature will not change. In any fu-
all, with firmness in the right as God gives us
ture great national trial, compared with the
to see the right,5 let us strive on to finish the
men of this, we shall have as weak and as
work we are in, to bind up the nation's
strong, as silly and as wise, as bad and as
wounds, to care for him who shall have borne
good.
Ib.
the battle and for his widow and his orphan,
to do all which may achieve and cherish a
3 I desire SO to conduct the affairs of this
just and lasting peace among ourselves and
administration that if at the end, when I
with all nations.
Ib.
come to lay down the reins of power, I have
lost every other friend on earth, I shall at
8 I have always thought that all men should
least have one friend left, and that friend
be free; but if any should be slaves, it should
shall be down inside me.
be first those who desire it for themselves,
Reply to the Missouri Committee
and secondly those who desire it for others.
of Seventy [1864]
Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery,
I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him
4
Dear Madam, I have been shown in the
personally.⁶
files of the War Department a statement of
Address to an Indiana Regiment
the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that
[March 17, 1865]
you are the mother of five¹ sons who have
died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel
9 Important principles may and must be in-
how weak and fruitless must be any words of
flexible.
mine which should attempt to beguile you
Last public address, Washington,
from the grief of a loss SO overwhelming. But
D.C. [April II, 1865]
I cannot refrain from tendering to you the
10 If you once forfeit the confidence of your
consolation that may be found in the thanks
fellow citizens, you can never regain their
of the Republic they died to save. I pray that
respect and esteem. It is true that you may
our heavenly Father may assuage the an-
fool all the people some of the time; you can
guish of your bereavement, and leave you
even fool some of the people all the time; but
only the cherished memory of the loved and
you can't fool all of the people all the time.
lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours
To a caller at the White House.
to have laid SO costly a sacrifice upon the
From ALEXANDER K. MCCLURE,
altar of freedom.
Lincoln's Yarns and Stories
Letter to Mrs. Bixby
[1904]
[November 21, 1864]
11 If I were to try to read, much less answer,
5 It may seem strange that any men should
all the attacks made on me, this shop might
dare to ask a just God's assistance in wring-
as well be closed for any other business. I do
ing their bread from the sweat of other men's
the very best I know how-the very best I
faces,² but let us judge not, that we be not
can; and I mean to keep doing SO until the
judged.³
end. If the end brings me out all right, what
Second Inaugural Address
is said against me won't amount to anything.
[March 4, 1865]
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels
6 The Almighty has His own purposes.
swearing I was right would make no differ-
Ib.
ence.
Conversation at the White House.
7 Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray,
From FRANCIS B. CARPENTER, Six
that this mighty scourge of war may speedily
Months at the White House with
pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue
Abraham Lincoln [1866]
until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's
two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil
12 Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to
shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood
his parents.
Ib. Washington, D.C. [c. 1860]
'Later, the records were revised; the correct number
was two.
'See Psalms 19:9, 18:1.
²See Genesis 3:19, 7:12.
⁵See John Quincy Adams, 418:6.
³See Matthew 7:1, 38:8.
⁶See Fragment, 520:6.
ol - Holmes
Holmes - Lincoln
519
inder and pass,
1
There is no time like the old time, when you
15 Have you heard of the wonderful one-hoss
hind!
And
and I were young.¹
shay,
on mean? What
No Time Like the Old Time, st. I
That was built in such a logical way
e contained in
It ran a hundred years to a day?
Steeds, steeds,
2
A thought is often original, though you
ind a home in
have uttered it a hundred times.
Ib. II [The Deacon's Masterpiece,
st.
ther are you
The Autocrat of the Breakfast
o answer. The
Table [1858], ch. I
16 End of the wonderful one-hoss shay.
Logic is logic. That's all I say.
ream its liquid
3
Insanity is often the logic of an accurate
Ib. [st. 12]
n to pieces and
mind overtaxed.
Ib. 2
arth fly by and
17
He comes of the Brahmin caste of New En-
4
Man has his will but woman has her
skance as they
gland. This is the harmless, inoffensive, unti-
way!
Ib.
ght of way.¹
tled aristocracy.
ng paragraphs
5
Put not your trust in money, but put your
The Brahmin Caste of New
money in trust.
Ib.
England [1860]
g he [Pushkin]
elancholy and
6
I find the great thing in this world is not so
18
Science is a first-rate piece of furniture for
omy. When the
much where we stand, as in what direction
a man's upper chamber, if he has common
1 a voice full of
we are moving: To reach the port of heaven,
sense on the ground floor.
S our Russia!"
we must sail sometimes with the wind and
The Poet at the Breakfast Table
oncerning Dead
sometimes against but we must sail, and
[1872], ch. 5
Souls [1843]
not drift, nor lie at anchor.
Ib. 4
19 And if I should live to be
gh.
7 Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,
The last leaf upon the tree
gol's tombstone
As the swift seasons roll!
In the spring,
Leave thy low-vaulted past!
Let them smile, as I do now,
Ib. [The Chambered Nautilus, st. 5]
At the old forsaken bough
Where I cling.
Imes²
8 Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unrest-
The Last Leaf [1831], st. 8
ing sea!
Ib.
down!
9
Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle
which fits them all.
Ib. ch. 6
Abraham Lincoln⁴
to see
1809-1865
10
There is that glorious Epicurean paradox
20
uttered by my friend the Historian, 2 in one of
If the good people, in their wisdom, shall
out,
his flashing moments: "Give us the luxuries
see fit to keep me in the background, I have
of life, and we will dispense with its necessar-
been too familiar with disappointments to be
ies."³
Ib.
very much chagrined.
re.
Address at New Salem, Illinois
[1830], 3 st. I
11
Boston State-House is the hub of the solar
[March 9, 1832]
system. You couldn't pry that out of a Boston
omes
21
man, if you had the tire of all creation
I go for all sharing the privileges of the
straightened out for a crowbar.
Ib.
government who assist in bearing its bur-
rinders, st. IO
dens.
12
The axis of the earth sticks out visibly
Letter to the Editor, Sangamon
more.
through the center of each and every town or
Journal, New Salem, Illinois [June
e Last Reader
city.
Ib.
13, 1836]
one hand,
13
The world's great men have not commonly
22
If destruction be our lot we must ourselves
been great scholars, nor its great scholars
be its author and finisher. As a nation of free-
l Ship Union,
great men.
Ib.
men we must live through all time, or die by
st. I2
suicide.
14
Knowledge and timber shouldn't be much
used till they are seasoned.
Ib.
Address at the Young Men's Ly-
ceum, Springfield, Illinois [Janu-
; but not our
¹The good old times, the grand old times, the great old
ary 27, 1838]
Heaven, st. 5
times!-DICKENS, The Chimes [1844], First Quarter
There are no days like the good old days, The days
23
There is no grievance that is a fit object of
e world has ever
when we were FIELD [1850-1895],
redress by mob law.
Ib.
SIR WILLIAM
Old Times, Old Friends, Old Love
Sir William Osler
²John Lothrop Motley [1814-1877].
24
Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It
³Said Scopas of Thessaly, "We rich men count our felic-
g that it is gener-
seeks regions hitherto unexplored.
Ib.
ity and happiness to lie in these superfluities, and not in
'onstitution from
those necessary things." PLUTARCH [A.D. 46-120], On
4Old Abe Lincoln came out of the wilderness / Down in
the Love of Wealth
Illinois. ANONYMOUS [c. 1860]
520
Lincoln
1
No man is good enough to govern another
racy. Whatever differs from this, to the ex-
man without that other's consent.
tent of the difference, is no democracy.⁴
Speech at Peoria, Illinois
Fragment [August I, 1858?]. From
[October 16, 1854]
Roy P. BASLER, The Collected
2
I am not a Know-Nothing
How could
Works of Abraham Lincoln [1953],
Ibe? How can anyone who abhors the oppres-
vol. II, p. 53²
sion of Negroes be in favor of degrading
7
When
you have succeeded in dehu-
classes of white people? Our progress in de-
manizing the Negro; when you have put him
generacy appears to me to be pretty rapid. As
down and made it impossible for him to be
a nation we began by declaring that "all men
but as the beasts of the field; when you have
are created equal." We now practically read
extinguished his soul in this world and placed
it "all men are created equal, except
him where the ray of hope is blown out as in
Negroes." When the Know-Nothings get con-
the darkness of the damned, are you quite
trol, it will read "all men are created equal,
sure that the demon you have roused will not
except Negroes and foreigners and Cathol-
turn and rend you? What constitutes the bul-
ics." When it comes to this, I shall prefer
wark of our own liberty and independence? It
emigrating to some country where they make
is not our frowning battlements, our bristling
no pretense of loving liberty-to Russia, for
sea coasts, our army and our navy. These are
instance, where despotism can be taken pure,
not our reliance against tyranny. All of those
and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.¹
may be turned against us without making us
Letter to Joshua F. Speed
weaker for the struggle. Our reliance is in the
[August 24, 1855]
love of liberty which God has planted in us.
3
The ballot is stronger than the bullet.
Our defense is in the spirit which prized lib-
Speech at Bloomington, Illinois
erty as the heritage of all men, in all lands
[May 19, 1856]
everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have
planted the seeds of despotism at your own
4 "A house divided against itself cannot
doors. Familiarize yourselves with the chains
stand."2 I believe this government cannot en-
of bondage and you prepare your own limbs
dure permanently half slave and half free. I
to wear them. Accustomed to trample on the
do not expect the Union to be dissolved-
rights of others, you have lost the genius of
I do not expect the house to I do
your own independence and become the fit
expect it will cease to be divided. It will be-
subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises
come all one thing, or all the other. Either
among you. 5
the opponents of slavery will arrest the fur-
Speech at Edwardsville, Illinois
ther spread of it, and place it where the pub-
[September II, 1858]
lic mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the
course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates
8 That is the issue that will continue in this
will push it forward till it shall become alike
country when these poor tongues of Judge
lawful in all the states, old as well as new,
Douglas and myself shall be silent. It is the
North as well as South.
eternal struggle between these two principles
Speech at the Republican State
-right and wrong-throughout the world.
Convention, Springfield, Illinois
They are the two principles that have stood
[June 16, 1858]
face to face from the beginning of time; and
will ever continue to struggle. The one is the
5
Nobody has ever expected me to be Presi-
common right of humanity, and the other the
dent. In my poor, lean, lank face nobody has
divine right of kings. It is the same principle
ever seen that any cabbages were sprouting
in whatever shape it develops itself. It is the
out.³
same spirit that says, "You toil and work and
Second campaign speech against
earn bread, and I'll eat it." No matter in what
Douglas, Springfield, Illinois [July
shape it comes, whether from the mouth of a
17, 1858]
king who seeks to bestride the people of his
6
As I would not be a slave, so I would not be
own nation and live by the fruit of their
a master. This expresses my idea of democ-
labor, or from one race of men as an apology
'See Niemoeller, 824:1.
for enslaving another race, it is the same ty-
2See Mark 3:25, 41:35.
rannical principle.
³They have seen in his [Douglas's] round, jolly, fruitful
Reply, seventh and last joint debate,
face, post offices, land offices, marshalships and cabinet
Alton, Illinois [October 15, 1858]
appointments, chargeships and foreign missions, bursting
and sprouting out in wonderful exuberance, ready to be
$See Address to Indiana Regiment, 524:8.
laid hold of by their greedy hands.-LINCOLN, ib.
⁵See Einstein, 764:4.
ncoln
Lincoln
52¹
he ex-
1
This is a world of compensation; and he
I have never had a feeling, politically, that
who would be no slave must consent to have
did not spring from the sentiments embodied
From
no slave. Those who deny freedom to others
in the Declaration of Independence.
I
llected
deserve it not for themselves, and, under a
have often inquired of myself what great
1953],
just God, cannot long retain it.
principle or idea it was that kept this Confed-
Letter to H. L. Pierce and others
eracy so long together. It was not the mere
[April 6, 1859]
matter of separation of the colonies from the
dehu-
motherland, but that sentiment in the Decla-
it him
2
Public opinion in this country is every-
ration of Independence which gave liberty
to be
thing.
not alone to the people of this country, but
1 have
Speech at Columbus, Ohio
hope to all the world, for all future time. It
placed
[September 16, 1859]
was that which gave promise that in due time
t as in
the weights would be lifted from the shoul-
quite
3
It is said an Eastern monarch once charged
ders of all men, and that all should have an
ill not
his wise men to invent him a sentence to be
equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied
he bul-
ever in view, and which should be true and
in the Declaration of Independence.
I
nce? It
appropriate in all times and situations. They
would rather be assassinated on this spot
istling
presented him the words: "And this, too,
than surrender it.
ese are
shall pass away." How much it expresses!
Speech at Independence Hall, Phila-
of those
How chastening in the hour of pride! How
delphia [February 22, 1861]
king us
consoling in the depths of affliction!
in the
Address to the Wisconsin State
9
It is safe to assert that no government
I in us.
Agricultural Society, Milwaukee
proper ever had a provision in its organic law
zed lib-
[September 30, 1859]
for its own termination.
I lands
First Inaugural Address [March
u have
4
What is conser atism? Is it not adherence
4, 1861]
ur own
old and tried, against the new and un-
10
chains
tried?
If by the mere force of numbers a majority
1 limbs
Address at Cooper Union, New
should deprive a minority of any clearly writ-
on the
York [February 27, 1860]
ten constitutional right, it might, in a moral
nius of
point of view, justify revolution-certainly
the fit
5
Let us have faith that right makes might,
would if such a right were a vital one.
10 rises
and in that faith let us to the end dare to do
Ib.
our duty as we understand it.
Ib.
11
This country, with its institutions, belongs
Illinois
to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they
6
1858]
No one, not in my situation, can appreciate
shall grow weary of the existing government,
my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this
in this
they can exercise their constitutional right of
place, and the kindness of these people, I owe
Judge
amending it, or their revolutionary right to
everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a
dismember or overthrow it.
Ib.
t is the
century, and have passed from a young to an
nciples
old man. Here my children have been born,
12
Why should there not be a patient confi-
world.
and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing
dence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is
stood
when or whether ever I may return, with a
there any better or equal hope in the world?
e; and
task before me greater than that which
Ib.
is the
rested upon Washington. Without the assist-
13
her the
While the people retain their virtue and
ance of that Divine Being who ever attended
inciple
vigilance, no administration, by any extreme
him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I
t is the
of wickedness or folly, can very seriously in-
cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with
rk and
jure the government in the short space of
me, and remain with you, and be everywhere
n what
four years.
Ib.
for good, let us confidently hope that all will
ith of a
yet be well.
14
We are not enemies, but friends. We must
of his
Farewell Address, Springfield,
not be enemies. Though passion may have
f their
Illinois [February II, 1861]
strained, it must not break, our bonds of
\pology
affection. The mystic chords of memory,
me ty-
7
If we do not make common cause to save
stretching from every battlefield and patriot
the good old ship of the Union on this voyage,
grave to every living heart and hearthstone
debate,
nobody will have a chance to pilot her on
all over this broad land, will yet swell the
1858]
another voyage.
chorus of the Union when again touched, as
Address at Cleveland, Ohio
surely they will be, by the better angels of our
[February 15, 1861]
nature.
Ib.
686
Fowler — Roosevelt
and well read. Quotations due to the last mo-
Ohiyesa
tive are invariably ill-advised; the discerning
[Charles Alexander Eastman]⁶
reader detects it and is contemptuous; the
1858-1939
undiscerning is perhaps impressed, but even
then is at the same time repelled, pretentious
7
[The Indian] sees no need for setting apart
quotations being the surest road to tedium.
one day in seven as a holy day, since to him
Ib.
all days are God's.
The Soul of the Indian [1911]
1 THAT, relative pronoun
The two kinds
of relative clause, to one of which that and to
8 Nearness to nature
keeps the spirit
the other of which which is appropriate, are
sensitive to impressions not commonly felt,
the defining and the nondefining;¹ and if
and in touch with the unseen powers.
writers would agree to regard that as the
Ib.
defining relative pronoun, and which as the
nondefining, there would be much gain both
Max Planck
in lucidity and in ease. Some there are who
follow this principle now, but it would be idle
1858-1947
to pretend that it is the practice either of the
9 We have no right to assume that any physi-
most or of the best writers.
Ib.
cal laws exist, or if they have existed up to
now, that they will continue to exist in a simi-
lar manner in the future.
Remy de Gourmont
The Universe in the Light of
1858-1915
Modern Physics [1931]
2
Aesthetic emotion puts man in a state fa-
10 Anybody who has been seriously engaged
vorable to the reception of erotic emotion.
in scientific work of any kind realizes that
Art is the accomplice of love. Take love away
over the entrance to the gates of the temple
and there is no longer art.
of science are written the words: Ye must
Décadence²
have faith. It is a quality which the scientist
3
Man is a successful animal, that's all.
cannot dispense with.
Promenades Philosophiques
Where Is Science Going? [1932]
11 An important scientific innovation rarely
Ruggiero Leoncavallo
makes its way by gradually winning over and
1858-1919
converting its opponents: it rarely happens
that Saul becomes Paul. What does happen is
4 The comedy is finished.³
that its opponents gradually die out and that
I Pagliacci (The Clowns) [1892],
the growing generation is familiarized with
last words
the idea from the beginning.
The Philosophy of Physics [1936]
John Trotwood Moore
1858-1929
Theodore Roosevelt
5
Only the gamefish swims upstream.⁴
1858-1919
The Unafraid
12
I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble
ease,⁷ but the doctrine of the strenuous life.
Adolph Simon Ochs
Speech before the Hamilton Club,
1858-1935
Chicago [April 10, 1899]
6 All the news that's fit to print.
13 Far better it is to dare mighty things, to
Motto of the New York Times⁵
win glorious triumphs, even though check-
ered by failure, than to take rank with those
'In American English, restrictive and nonrestrictive.
"Translated by W.A. BRADLEY.
poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor
³La commedia è finita.
suffer much, because they live in the gray
See Rabelais, 158:14.
twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
'Quoted by GRANTLAND RICE [1880-1954] in The Bal-
Ib.
lade of the Gamefish and Expanding the Theme.
Only the gamefish swims upstream, / But the sensible
fish swims down.- OGDEN NASH [1902-1971], When You
It is hard to think of any group of seven words that
Say That, Smile
have aroused more newspaper controversy.- GERALD W.
⁵When Adolph Ochs bought the New York Times in
JOHNSON, An Honorable Titan [1946]
1896 he adopted this motto, which has been printed in
Santee Dakota.
every issue since.
'See Virgil, 104:13, and Milton, 284:13.
sevelt
Roosevelt
687
1
Death is always and under all circum-
or impotence, to the exercise of an interna-
6
stances a tragedy, for if it is not, then it
tional police power.
means that life itself has become one.
Annual Message to Congress: Corol-
Letter to Cecil Spring-Rice
lary to the Monroe Doctrine [De-
apart
0 him
[March 12, 1900]
cember 6, 1904]
2 I am as strong as a bull moose and you can
11
Men with the muckrake are often indis-
[1911]
use me to the limit.
pensable to the well-being of society, but only
spirit
Letter to Mark Hanna [June 27,
if they know when to stop raking the
y felt,
1900]
muck.¹
Address on the laying of the corner-
3 No man is justified in doing evil on the
Ib.
stone of the House Office Building,
ground of expediency.
The Strenuous Life: Essays and Ad-
Washington [April 14, 1906]
dresses [1900]. The Strenuous Life
12
Malefactors of great wealth.
Speech at Provincetown, Massachu-
4 If we seek merely swollen, slothful ease
physi-
and ignoble peace, if we shrink from the hard
setts [August 20, 1907]
contests where men must win at the hazard
13 Nature-faker.
up to
simi-
of their lives and at the risk of all they hold
Everybody's Magazine [September
dear, then bolder and stronger peoples will
1907]
ght of
pass us by, and will win for themselves the
domination of the world.
Ib.
14 To waste, to destroy, our natural resources,
[1931]
to skin and exhaust the land instead of using
gaged
5
In life, as in a footbal game, the principle
it SO as to increase its usefulness, will result
that
to follow IS. Hit the line hard.
in undermining in the days of our children
emple
Ib. The American Boy
the very prosperity which we ought by right
must
6 There is a homely adage which runs,
to hand down to them amplified and devel-
entist
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will
oped.
go far." If the American nation will speak
Message to Congress
1932]
softly and yet build and keep at a pitch of the
[December 3, 1907]
arely
highest training a thoroughly efficient navy,
15 The object of government is the welfare of
and
the Monroe Doctrine will go far.
the people. The material progress and pros-
opens
Speech at Minnesota State Fair
perity of a nation are desirable chiefly so far
pen is
[September 2, 1901]
as they lead to the moral and material wel-
1 that
7
The first requisite of a good citizen in this
fare of all good citizens.
with
Republic of ours is that he shall be able and
The New Nationalism [1910]
willing to pull his weight.
1936]
16 Every man holds his property subject to
Speech at New York [November
the general right of the community to regu-
II, 1902]
late its use to whatever degree the public wel-
8 A man who is good enough to shed his blood
fare may require it.
for his country is good enough to be given a
Speech at Osawatomie [August
oble
square deal afterwards. More than that no
31, 1910]
life.
man is entitled to, and less than that no man
17
We stand at Armageddon and we battle for
Club,
shall have.
the Lord.
899]
Speech at Springfield, Illinois
Speech at Progressive Party Conven-
[July 4, 1903]
tion, Chicago [June 17, 1912]
S, to
eck-
9 No man is above the law and no man is
18 The lunatic fringe in all reform move-
hose
below it; nor do we ask any man's permission
ments.
Autobiography [1913]
nor
when we require him to obey it. Obedience to
the law is demanded as a right; not asked as
19
We demand that big business give the peo-
gray
eat.
a favor.
ple a square deal; in return we must insist
Ib.
Third Annual Message [December
that when anyone engaged in big business
7, 1903]
honestly endeavors to do right he shall him-
self be given a square deal.
Ib.
that
W.
10 In the Western Hemisphere the adherence
of the United States to the Monroe Doctrine
20 We stand equally against government by a
may force the United States, however reluc-
plutocracy and government by a mob. There
tantly, in flagrant cases of such wrongdoing
¹See John Bunyan, 302:12.
688
Roosevelt - Catt
is something to be said for government by a
Henri Bergson
great aristocracy which has furnished lead-
1859-1941
ers to the nation in peace and war for genera-
6
tions; even a democrat like myself must
Only those ideas that are least truly ours
admit this. But there is absolutely nothing to
can be adequately expressed in words.
Essaisur les Données Immédiatesde
be said for government by a plutocracy, for
government by men very powerful in certain
la Conscience [1899; Time and Free
lines and gifted with "the money touch," but
Will, 1910]
with ideals which in their essence are merely
7 We are free when our actions emanate
those of so many glorified pawnbrokers.
Letter to Sir Edward Grey
from our total personality, when they ex-
[November 15, 1913]
press it, when they resemble it in the indefin-
able way a work of art sometimes does the
1
There is no room in this country for hy-
artist.
Ib.
phenated Americanism.
The one abso-
lutely certain way of bringing this nation to
8 The major task of the twentieth century
ruin, of preventing all possibility of its con-
will be to explore the unconscious, to investi-
tinuing to be a nation at all, would be to per-
gate the subsoil of the mind.¹
mit it to become a tangle of squabbling na-
Le Rêve (The Dream) [1901]
tionalities.
Speech before the Knights of Co-
9 The present contains nothing more than
lumbus, New York [October 12,
the past, and what is found in the effect was
1915]
already in the cause.
L'Evolution Créatrice (Creative
2 Put out the light.
Evolution) [1907],² ch. I
Last words [January 6, 1919]
10 Intelligence
is the faculty of making
artificial objects, especially tools to make
tools.
Ib. 2
Langdon Smith
11 L'élan vital [the vital spirit].
Ib.
1858-1908
3 When you were a tadpole and I was a fish,
In the Paleozoic time.
Harold Edwin Boulton
Evolution [1895], st. I
¹⁸₅9-1935
12 Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing;
Onward, the sailors cry:
Sir William Watson
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye.
1858-1935
Skye Boat Song, st. I
4 April, April,
Laugh thy girlish laughter;
Then, the moment after,
Carrie Chapman Catt
Weep thy girlish tears.
Song
1859-1947
13 No written law has ever been more binding
than unwritten custom supported by popular
Katharine Lee Bates
opinion.
1859-1929
Speech, Why We Ask for the Sub-
mission of an Amendment, at Sen-
5 O beautiful for spacious skies,
ate hearing on woman's suffrage
For amber waves of grain,
[February 13, 1900]
For purple mountain majesties
See Peirce, 639:12, and Freud, 678:11.
Above the fruited plain!
20 my Bergson, you are a magician, and your book is
America! America!
a marvel, a real wonder in the history of philosophy.
God shed his grace on thee
In finishing it I found
such a flavor of persistent
And crown thy good with brotherhood
euphony, as of a rich river that never foamed or ran thin,
but steadily and firmly proceeded with its banks full to
From sea to shining sea!
the brim.- WILLIAM JAMES, The Letters of William
America the Beautiful [1893], st. I
James, vol. II [1907], p. 290
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
195
with the medicine ball. After that, TR turned to his guest and asked,
TWENTY-FIVE
"What would you like to do now?" "If it's just the same with you,
Mr. President," sighed Jusserand, "I'd like to lie down and die."6
The child, in TR's case, was not father to the man. As a boy,
Theodore Roosevelt
Teedie, as he was called, was weak and sickly, with a puny body,
poor eyes, and an asthmatic cough. When he was ten, his father
took him aside and told him: "Theodore, you have the mind but
1901-9
you have not the body.
You must make your body." A humili-
ating encounter with four boys on a stagecoach reinforced the point:
when the boys began teasing him, he found he couldn't take on
even one of them alone. "I'll make my body, he resolved. He began
working out in a gym which his father installed for him on the
second floor of their home in New York City and continued working
out for the rest of his life.⁸ He took boxing lessons, studied judo,
learned to ride and shoot, played tennis, took long hikes, climbed
the Matterhorn, hunted big game in Africa, explored Brazil, and
fought in the Spanish-American War. He also became a cowboy.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was without doubt the most ener-
In September 1883, Roosevelt visited the Dakota Badlands, fell
getic of all our Presidents. And the most ebullient. And the most
in love with the cattle business, acquired two ranches, and became
a gentleman cowhand. The cowboys chuckled over "Four Eyes" at
Tegrnth loved
athletic. He was, Henry Adams decided, "pure act."1 After visiting
the White House, John Morley, British essayist and biographer, con-
first. Amused by his mild expletives-"By Godfrey!"-they were
cluded that Roosevelt was "an interesting combination of St. Vitus
in stitches when they heard him say, the first time he took part in
and St. Paul." To Joseph Bishop, one of Roosevelt's newspaper
a roundup, "Hasten forward quickly there!" The phrase was, for a
friends, he exclaimed: "My dear fellow, do you know the two most
time, a byword in the Badlands.⁹ But the cowboys soon learned to
extraordinary things I have seen in your country? Niagara Falls
take TR seriously. He spent almost forty hours in the saddle with
and the President of the United States-both great wonders of
them without complaint; he gradually acquired the professional skills
of a good cowboy; and he handled a barroom tough just the way
nature!"2
TR seemed to possess limitless vitality, indomitable courage, and
he should be handled. When he dropped in at a hotel in Mingusville
indestructible will; and he was a passionate devotee of the strenuous
one night after spending the day looking for lost horses, a shabby
life. "Get action," he advised; "do things; be sane; don't fritter away
character with a cocked pistol in each hand accosted him in the
your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody;
lobby (which was also the barroom) and cried: "Four Eyes is going
get action.' "3 Roosevelt wanted his fellow countrymen to "hit the
to treat!" TR sat down by the stove and tried to ignore him, but
line and hit it hard," and set an astonishing example of line-hitting
the pistol-packing bully persisted. "Maybe you didn't hear me," he
himself.4 Reported Rudyard Kipling, after spending some time with
yelled. "I said Four Eyes is gonna treat!" At this point Roosevelt
the President: "I curled up in the seat opposite, and listened and
got up, as if to comply, and then, as he later told it, "struck quick
wondered, until the universe seemed to be spinning around and Theo-
and hard with my right just to one side of the point of his jaw,
dore was the spinner." But French ambassador Jean-Jules Jusserand
hitting with my left as I straightened out, and then again with my
had a tougher time with TR. He joined the President for two sets
right." The man fell, and on his way down hit his head against
of tennis one day; then TR suggested a bit of jogging; and after
the bar and was knocked unconscious. He was dragged outdoors
they had jogged on the White House lawn a while, they had a workout
and deposited in a shed; the next day, when he came to, he hurriedly
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
196
197
left town. 10 "That four-eyed maverick," said one old cowhand of
Canada. 18 But the fighting, not the acquiring, was what really roused
Roosevelt, "has sand in his craw a-plenty."¹ Years later, when TR
his spirit. Unfortunately, the United States and England settled their
was recruiting men to fight with him in Cuba, he had no trouble
differences peacefully so TR was cheated once more out of combat.
finding volunteers in the Wild West.
In 1897, TR became Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the McKin-
TR loved war as well as sports; he regarded the two as moral
ley administration and fell in love with his work at once. "The Secre-
equivalents. He was, in fact, just about the only President we have
tary is away," he wrote a friend one day, "and I am having immense
ever had who (at least in his younger days) looked upon war as a
fun running the navy." But he was more than ever eager for the
good thing in itself. "No triumph of peace," he insisted, "is quite
United States (and TR) to get into a shooting war. This time things
so great as the supreme triumphs of war. He admired soldierly
looked promising. The United States had been wrangling with Spain
virtues and wanted to restore "the fighting edge" to the American
ever since 1895, when the Cubans had revolted against Spanish rule;
spirit.¹³ "Every man," he once wrote, "who has in him any real
when TR entered the Navy Department, relations between the two
power of joy in battle knows that he feels it when the wolf begins
nations were extremely strained. TR, who had favored American
to rise in his heart; he does not then shrink from blood or sweat
intervention in Cuba almost from the beginning, was impatient with
or deem that they mar the fight; he revels in them, in the toil, the
President McKinley for his lack of truculence. McKinley, he com-
pain, and the danger, as but setting off the triumph. "14 Throughout
plained, had "the backbone of a chocolate eclair. But he did not
the 1880s and 1890s, TR hankered for a war. Whenever there was
despair. "We will have this war for the freedom of Cuba," he insisted
a crisis in U.S. relations with other countries, he diligently beat
in an after-dinner speech in Washington, "in spite of the timidity
the drums for war and hoped for a flare-up. But he not only wanted
of the commercial interests." As he spoke he looked right at Senator
the United States. to go to war; he also wanted to get into the war
Mark Hanna, the Cleveland industrialist, who opposed war; and
himself. The two always went together for Roosevelt. He was stead-
someone next to Hanna whispered wryly: "Now, Senator, may we
fastly true to what may be called the "TR principle": one volunteers
please have that war?"21
for action in the wars one advocates, regardless of profession, social
In April 1898, TR finally got his war. When the United States
standing, health, age, or political position. After all, what fun is
declared war on Spain, he ran excitedly around the Navy Department
there-especially if one is an important person-in arranging vicari-
for a week or two like a little boy on roller skates; then he resigned
ous valor? "My power for good," Roosevelt pointed out, "would
his post, volunteered for action, was commissioned a lieutenant colo-
be gone if I didn't try to live up to the doctrines I have tried to
nel, and helped₂organize a cavalry unit of cowboys and college men
to fight in Cuba. The press had a good time thinking up nicknames
preach. But TR had to wait a long time for his war. In 1886 he hoped
for the regiment-"Teddy's Terrors," "Teddy's Texas Tarantulas,"
for a fight with Mexico over a border incident and offered to organize
"Roosevelt's Rough "Uns"-and finally settled on "Roosevelt's
his "harum-scarum" ranch hands into a cavalry battalion; but the
Rough Riders.
war never came. In 1892, a quarrel with Chile fired his hopes again.
In Cuba, at long last, TR saw the action he had dreamed of for
Roosevelt, a friend reported, "goes about hissing through his clenched and
years and acquitted himself bravely, even heroically, on the battlefield.
For two nickels he would declare war himself
"Gentlemen," he cried, during the attack at Kettle Hill (which he
teeth. wage it sole: "Do you remember," Mrs. Roosevelt asked a friend
called the "San Juan charge"), "the Almighty God and the just
amusedly some years later, "how we used to call Theodore the Chil-
cause are with you. Gentlemen, charge!" To some reluctant troopers,
ean Volunteer and tease him about his dream of leading a cavalry
he exclaimed: "Are you afraid to stand up when I am on horseback?"
charge?"¹⁷ But the Chilean crisis, too, passed. Friction with Great
As he told it later: "I waved my hat and we went up the hill with
Britain in 1895 roused TR's belligerency once more. "This country
a rush.
I killed a Spaniard with my own hand"; he added,
needs a war," he told his friend Henry Cabot Lodge; and he pointed
"like a jackrabbit." And when the operation was over, he cried:
out that a war with Britain might well result in the acquisition of
"Look at those damned Spanish dead." "The charge itself was great
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
199
198
fun," he said afterward. "Oh, but we have had a bully fight!"23 Roose-
cooped up in the White House; but his seven and a half years in
velt's combat experience amounted to one week's campaign in Cuba
office were devoid of armed conflict. He did throw his weight around
and one hard day of fighting, but it was enough to make him a
on the international scene: mediated in a war between Japan and
national hero. When the war was over he published a book about
Russia; sent the U.S. Navy on a cruise around the world; and sup-
his experiences entitled The Rough Riders. The story that the pub-
ported a revolution in Panama to further his plans for building an
lisher had to order a special supply of the letter "I" from the type
interoceanic canal there. But there were no wars or even serious
foundry is apocryphal. But the comment Irish humorist Finley Peter
rumors of war during his Presidency. There was plenty of excitement
Dunne put into the mouth of his character Mr. Dooley was not.
nonetheless. "No President has ever enjoyed himself as much as I
TR, said Mr. Dooley in his Irish accent, should have called his
have enjoyed myself," admitted Roosevelt when it was all over, "and
book Alone in Cubia. For TR, of course, the Cuban campaign was
for the matter of that I do not know of any man of my age who
no matter for mirth. "San Juan," he said two decades later, "was
has had as good a time.
"27 He invited the distinguished black
the great day of my life."24
educator Booker T. Washington to dinner in the White House and
San Juan made TR a popular hero. After the war, when he was
was castigated by southern Democrats. He tried to have the inscrip-
stumping New York State as candidate for Governor, he took seven
tion "In God We Trust" removed from U.S. coins (where it had
Rough Riders with him and had a bugler sound the cavalry charge
been put in 1864) as both unconstitutional and sacrilegious and was
before each speech. "You have heard the trumpet that sounded to
blasted as impious. He got into a big fight with people he called
bring you here," he told voters in one town. "I have heard it tear
"nature fakers"-that is, people who wrote sentimentally about wild-
the tropic dawn when it summoned us to fight at Santiago." After
life-and was charged with cruelty to animals. He sent his annual
winning the election and taking office in 1899, he alienated Republi-
message to Congress in 1906 in simplified spelling and produced
can leaders by sponsoring a civil-service law and a tax on corporation
outrage in that august body. ("Nuthing escapes Mr. Rucevelt," wrote
franchises. Speaking of his relations with the Republican state ma-
the Louisville Courier-Journal. "No subject is tu hi fr him to takl,
chine, he once explained: "I have always been fond of the West
nor to lo for him to notis. He sprang a surprise antitrust suit
African proverb: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go
on J. P. Morgan's Northern Securities Company in 1902, producing
far.' Anxious to get rid of the independent young Governor, party
astonishment and indignation in that high and mighty captain of
leaders began talking of kicking him upstairs into the " Vice-Presi- under
finance. "If we have done anything wrong," Morgan loftily told
dency. When he heard about it, TR at once announced:
TR, "send your man to my man and they can fix it up." "That
no circumstances could I or would I accept the nomination for the
can't be done," TR told him, and went on with the action. Afterward
Vice-Presidency." But when he made a speech for McKinley's re-
he said that Morgan seemed to view the President of the United
nomination at the Republican convention in June 1900, the delegates
States as a "big rival operator" rather than as the elected representa-
went wild and enthusiastically picked him as McKinley's running
tive of the American people and that it was time he learned
mate. TR accepted the nomination; but Republican National Chair-
differently.2 (Morgan was a reluctant learner; when TR headed for
man Mark Hanna was glum. "Don't any of you realize," he cried,
big game in Africa after leaving office in 1909, the banking tycoon
"that there's only one life between this madman and the White
is said to have cried: "Health to the lions!")³⁰
House?" He was horrified when "that damned cowboy," as he called
TR was one of America's most assertive Presidents. Not only
TR, became President upon McKinley's death in September 1901,
did he believe that the U.S. Constitution empowered the federal
but he gradually came to like him.25
government to act vigorously in the general welfare; he also believed
Soon after TR became President, one worried citizen beseeched
in the centrality of the executive branch in the American system.
him not to let his fighting spirit plunge the United States into war:
When he ran for a third term in 1912 on the Progressive Party
"What!" cried Roosevelt earnestly, "a war, and I cooped up here
(Bull Moose) ticket, he called for a "New Nationalism"-that is, a
in the White House? Never!"26 Roosevelt did not exactly remain
national government which exercised broad powers to govern the
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
201
200
country in the interest of the people as a whole. In October 1912,
Student
while campaigning in the West, he was shot by a crazy man in
Milwaukee. "He pinked me, TR exclaimed; but he insisted on riding
As a student at Harvard, TR talked so much in class that one profes-
to the city auditorium to give his speech anyway. "I have a message
sor finally shouted: "See here, Roosevelt, let me talk. I'm running
this course."36
to deliver," he told his associates, "and I will deliver it as long as
there is life in my body." He gave his speech with a bullet hole in
his chest, undressed and bleeding, and then was rushed to the
Teacher
hospital.31 TR lost his bid for a third term in 1912, went on an exploring
While at Harvard, TR taught Sunday School for a while at Christ
expedition in Brazil, and returned to harass the administration of
Church, but he was too muscular a Christian for the vestrymen
Woodrow Wilson.' When the Great War broke out in Europe in
there. One day a boy came to class with a black eye. He admitted
the summer of 1914, he clamored for action again and offered to
he had been in a fight, and on Sunday, too. A bigger boy had been
raise a volunteer division to fight with the Allies in Europe. Though
pinching his sister, he said, and he got into a fist fight with him.
thousands of young men volunteered to serve in a TR unit, President
"You did perfectly right," said TR and gave him a dollar. The vestry-
Wilson stubbornly refused to approve the idea, arguing that the ex-
men thought this was going too far and let TR go.³⁷
President was too old and too much of a show-off to be of any use
in the European conflict. Marshal Joffre, hero of the battle of the
Marne, urged Wilson to commission Roosevelt; French Premier
Boxer
Georges Clemenceau also strongly backed TR's request. "There is
in France," he wrote Wilson, "one name which sums up the beauty
Once, when he was boxing at Harvard, time was called on a round,
of American intervention. You must know, Mr. President, that more
so Roosevelt dropped his guard. At that moment his opponent landed
than one of our poilus has asked, 'But where is Roosevelt?' Send
a heavy blow on his nose, which spurted blood. When people
them Roosevelt. It, will gladden their hearts. "32 But Wilson remained
in the gallery started booing and hissing, TR raised his arm to com-
adamant, while Roosevelt (who called the President a "Byzantine
mand silence. "It's all right," he cried, his arm still in the air; then,
logothete") dreamed of being shut up in the same room with Wilson
pointing to the timekeeper, he said: "He didn't hear him."
and boxing with him. "I am the only one he has kept out of war,"
With his nose bleeding, he walked up to his opponent and shook
hands.³⁸
he said bitterly.33
On July 4,' 1917, when the first American troops arrived in Paris
and paraded through the streets, the French people on hand cheered
Polo
enthusiastically: "Vive les Teddies!"3⁴ Though Roosevelt was not
with them, he took enormous satisfaction in knowing that all four
In 1888, while he was living in Oyster Bay, Long Island, TR organized
of his sons were in the service. But when his son Quentin, a pilot
a polo team. To get more action in the game he reduced the team
in the air force, was shot down and killed behind enemy lines in
from four men to three. He got action all right; he received many
1918, the heart seemed to go out of TR. His health declined rapidly
injuries while playing and on occasion was knocked senseless. At
thereafter, and he was reduced to invalidism. He died suddenly on
first his wife was upset by his accidents. Gradually, however, she
January 5, 1919, shortly after composing an article for a newspaper,
came to understand his zest for rough riding and began accepting
and his son Archie, home on sick leave, cabled his brothers in France
his injuries with equanimity. When he came home one afternoon
the incredible news: "THE LION IS DEAD. "35
with a gory cut on his head, she said sharply: "Theodore, I do
wish you'd do your bleeding in the bathroom. You're spoiling every
rug in the house!"³
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
202
203
TR and the Texan
Costello, drinking with two of his cronies. "Won't mama's boy catch
In the Dakota Badlands, most of the men accepted TR as an equal
cold?" sneered Costello when he saw the young aristocrat. When
TR ignored him, Costello called him a "damned little dude." At
despite his toothbrush and his habit of shaving. But one man, a
this point, TR took off his glasses, put them in his pocket, and
surly Texan, considered him a "dude" and went out of his way to
knocked Costello down with one blow. Then he floored one of Costel-
pick on him. TR laughed at first and let it go; but eventually it
dawned on him that the Texan regarded him as a coward as well
lo's cronies with a swift second punch. The third man quickly re-
as a "dude" and that he had better correct that impression. One
treated. "Go wash yourself," TR told Costello. "And then join me
evening, when the man was being particularly offensive, TR strode
for a beer." Costello did as he was ordered. Later, as he was leaving
to continue his walk, TR said, "When you are in the presence of
up to him and exclaimed, "You're talking like an ass! Put up or
gentlemen, behave like a gentleman!"⁴²
shut up! Fight now, or be friends!" Startled, the Texan stared, his
shoulder dropped a little, and he shifted his feet. "I didn't mean
no harm," he said. "Make it friends." And they did.⁴⁰
Damnedest Ass
When TR first served under Colonel Leonard Wood during the Span-
The Maverick
ish-American War, he was inexperienced in military discipline. One
day he treated his squadron to a beer as a reward for their improve-
One day, while TR was riding over the range with one of his ablest
ment in drill. That evening Wood remarked casually at supper that
cowpunchers, they came upon a "maverick," a two-year-old steer
"of course, an officer who would go out with a large batch of men
which had never been branded. They lassoed him at once and built
and drink with them was quite unfit to hold a commission." TR
a fire to heat the branding-irons. It was the rule among cattlemen
kept silent at the time; but later he visited Wood in his tent and
that a "maverick" belonged to the ranchman on whose range it
confessed to what he had done. "I wish to say, sir," he told Wood,
was found. This particular steer therefore belonged to Gregor Lang,
"that I agree with what you said. I consider myself the damnedest
not to TR, for Lang claimed the land on which TR and his cowboy
ass within ten miles of this camp. Good night."4
were riding. When the cowboy began to apply the red-hot iron,
TR said, "It's Lang's brand-a thistle." "That's all right, boss,"
said the cowboy, "I know my business." "Hold on!" cried TR, "you're
Jaws
putting on my brand." "That's all right," said the cowboy. "I always
One day at Havana harbor, Cuba, TR decided to take a swim in
put on the boss's brand.": "Drop that iron," said TR quietly, "and
the Caribbean. He wanted to inspect the wreck of the Merrimac,
go to the ranch and get your time. I don't need you any longer."
some three hundred yards out to sea, and persuaded an unenthusiastic
The cowpuncher was amazed. "Say," he cried, "what have I done?
lieutenant, Jack Greenway, to go with him. They had scarcely entered
Didn't I put on your brand?" "A man who will steal for me will
the water when General Fitzhugh Lee, who had climbed up on the
steal from me," said TR; "you're fired." The man rode away. A
parapet of Fort Morro, began to yell at them. "Can you make out
day or so later the story was all over the Badlands. 41
what he's trying to say?" asked TR, still swimming. "Sharks," said
Greenway, wishing he was back on shore. "Sharks?" said TR, blowing
Damned Little Dude
out a mouthful of water and punctuating his words with strokes.
"They-won't-bite. I've-been-studying them-all my life-and
TR became a member of the New York Assembly at the age of
I never-heard of one-bothering a swimmer. It's all-poppycock."
twenty-three, and was at first regarded by the other members as a
Just then a big shark showed up alongside the swimmers; it was
kind of dude. One afternoon he was taking a walk and stopped at
soon joined by several others. But TR paid them no attention. Mean-
a saloon for a beer. At the bar he met another Assemblyman, John
while General Lee continued shouting and gesticulating. Finally the
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
205
204
swimmers reached the Merrimac, which TR eagerly examined while
campaigning there. At one gathering, where an old cowboy friend
his companion, kept thinking of sharks and hoping they would get
named Seth was in the audience, he expected a lot of heckling, but
back to shore unharmed. "After a while," Greenway said afterward,
to his surprise the people were unusually well-behaved. After the
TR "had seen enough, and we went over the side again. Soon the
meeting was over, he complimented the chairman on the fact that
sharks were all' about us again, sort of pacing us in, as they had
there had been no interruptions. "Interruptions!" exclaimed the chair-
paced us out, while the old general did the second part of his war
man. "Well, I guess not! Seth sent around word that if any son of
dance. He felt a lot better when we landed, and SO did I."⁴⁴
a gun peeped he'd kill him.
How He Did It
Bully Fight
At one of the Rough Rider reunions, a Dakota cowboy who had
In Chicago in August 1901, Vice-President Roosevelt decided to
been an excellent soldier in Cuba greeted TR, then told him he
attend services in a Dutch Reformed Church on Sunday morning,
was glad the judge had let him out in time to come to the party.
and journalist H. H. Kohlsaat took him to a small church on the
TR asked what had happened. "Why, Colonel," said the man, "don't well,
West Side. En route TR pulled a pink sheet out of his pocket and
you know liada difficulty with a gentleman, and
er
said, "There was a prize-fight last week. I did not want to attract
I killed the gentleman. But you can see that the judge thought it
attention by reading it at the breakfast-table in the hotel." But he
was all right or he wouldn't have let me go." "How did it happen?"
hadn't finished reading the fight report when the carriage reached
asked TR, with some concern. "How did you do it?" Thinking TR
the church, so he put it back in his pocket. He and Kohlsaat entered
was interested in the technique, the ex-puncher answered: "With a
the church while the minister was praying. The usher looked curi-
.38 on a .45 frame, Colonel."45
ously at TR; when the prayer ended, Kohlsaat introduced him to
TR, and they were shown into the front pew. During the singing
of a hymn, the usher stepped up to the minister and told him who
Like Sheep to Slaughter
was in the congregation. Roosevelt sang the hymns louder than any-
During his campaign for the governorship of New York in 1898,
one else, made the responses in a vigorous voice, and listened with
the hero of San Juan toured the state in a special train accompanied
pleasure to the sermon, which was based on the text "Be ye doers
by seven Rough Riders. At every stop, a bugler would sound the
of the word and not hearers only."
cavalry charge, and TR would step forward to speak. At one point
At the close of the sermon the pastor said, "We are honored by
in the tour, ex-Sergeant Buck Taylor was called on to address the
having with us today a fellow member of our church, the Vice-Presi-
crowd at a station: "I want to talk to you about mah colonel,"
dent of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. I am going to ask
Taylor began. "He kept ev'y promise he made to us and he will to
him to speak to us." TR jumped up at once, mounted the pulpit,
you. When he took us to Cuba he told us
we would have to
and began talking about the text of the morning. While he was
lie out in the trenches with the rifle bullets climbing all over us,
talking, he threw his fists right and left, with uppercuts and undercuts.
He told us we might meet wounds and death
At one point he ran to the farther side of the pulpit and struck
and we done it.
and we done it, but he was thar in the midst of us, and when it
out with such vehemence that he frightened a child of two or three
came to the great day he led us up San Juan Hill like sheep to
in the front pew; the child began screaming. Tremendously embar-
slaughter and SO he will lead you!"46
rassed, the mother picked up the child and started to leave. "Sit
down, please, madam," interposed TR. "Don't go out. I have six
of them of my own at home, and I am used to crying children!"
Seth
The woman resumed her seat, but the child continued to yell until
At the time of the presidential election of 1900 the West was William
TR was finally obliged to stop talking. He left the pulpit and shook
Jennings Bryan's territory, so TR faced some unfriendly crowds when
hands with everyone in the congregation. Outside a crowd of people
206.,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
207
cheered him and Kohlsaat as they got into their carriage and started
ahead! I was much winded, but I would not give in, nor ask him
off. A block or two from the church TR pulled the pink sheet out
to slow up, because I had the honor of La belle France in my heart.
of his pocket and began reading once more about the fight. "By
At last we came to the bank of a stream, rather wide and too deep
George," he cried, "that was a bully fight. Sorry I missed it!"48
to be forded. I sighed in relief, because I thought that now we had
reached our goal and would rest a moment and catch our breath,
before turning homeward. But judge of my horror when I saw the
Alice
President unbutton his clothes and heard him say, 'We had better
One day while a friend was visiting Roosevelt in the White House,
strip, so as not to wet our things in the Creek.' Then I, too, for
TR's young daughter Alice kept popping in and out of the office
the honor of France, removed my apparel, everything except my
interrupting them. "Theodore," the friend finally complained, "isn't
lavender kid gloves. The President cast an inquiring look at these
there anything you can do to control Alice?" Said TR firmly: "I
as if they, too, must come off, but I quickly forestalled any remark
can do one of two things. I can be President of the United States
by saying, 'With your permission, Mr. President, I will keep these
or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both."49
on, otherwise it would be embarrassing if we should meet ladies.'
And so we jumped into the water and swam across."
Roosevelt's Rambles
Once, just as TR and a friend were starting out on a hike, there
was an explosion in a nearby quarry; rocks flew into the air like
TR's enthusiasm for exercise led to the formation of a "tennis cabi-
hailstones. "Aha!" cried TR gleefully. "We are going right there!"
net" made up of friends from Congress, the diplomatic corps, and
"You must always remember," sighed British diplomat Cecil
Cabinet members. But some of TR's friends found it hard to keep
Spring Rice, an old friend of the Roosevelts, "that the President is
up with him. When the new British ambassador, Sir Mortimer Du-
about six.
rand, took his first hike with the President, he turned out, according
to TR, to be a "bad walker and wholly unable to climb." Durand
saw it differently. "We drove out to a wooded valley with streams
Seduction and Rape
running through it," he recalled, "and he then made me struggle
In 1903, the Roosevelt administration made an agreement with Co-
through bushes and over rocks for two hours and a half, at an impossi-
lombia which granted the United States a canal zone across the
ble speed. My arms and shoulders are still stiff with dragging myself
province of Panama in return for a payment of $10 million and an
up by roots and ledges. At once place I fairly stuck, and could
annual rental fee. The U.S. Senate quickly ratified the treaty but
not get over the top till he caught me by the collar and hauled at
the Colombian Senate, hoping for better terms, unanimously rejected
me."
it. Furious over the rejection, TR encouraged the Panamanians to
Jean-Jules Jusserand, the French ambassador, did better than Du-
revolt and, when they did, saw to it that a U.S. warship was on
rand. "Yesterday," he wrote, "President Roosevelt invited me to
hand to prevent the landing of Colombian troops on the Isthmus.
take a promenade with him this afternoon at three. I arrived at
On November 6, the United States recognized the Republic of Pan-
the White House punctually, in afternoon dress and silk hat, as if
ama and twelve days later signed a treaty authorizing the construction
we were to stroll in the Tuileries Garden or in the Champs Elysées.
of a canal there. At a Cabinet meeting a few days later TR started
To my surprise, the President soon joined me in a tramping suit,
to give a detailed legal analysis of American rights in the Isthmus.
with knickerbockers and thick boots, and soft felt hat, much worn.
"Oh, Mr. President," Attorney General Philander Knox interrupted,
Two or three other gentlemen came, and we started off at what
"do not let so great an achievement suffer from any taint of legality."
seemed to me a breakneck pace, which soon brought us out of the
TR persisted, however, and when he was finished asked the Cabinet
city. On reaching the country, the President went pell-mell over
whether he had answered all the charges and successfully defended
the fields, following neither road nor path, always on, on, straight
himself. "You certainly have, Mr. President," Elihu Root assured
THEODORE
208
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
209
him. "You have shown that you were accused of seduction and
to come to Washington to give him some pointers. After a two-
you have conclusively proved that you were guilty of rape.' "51
hour conference with TR, the Englishman came out of the President's
office in a daze. "And what did you tell the President?" asked a
Court-Martial
curious bystander. "I told him my name," said the wearied visitor. 54
One day young Quentin Roosevelt and his pals focused mirrors in
such a way as to flash sunlight through the windows of the State-
Resting
War-Navy Building where people were working. A protest was
When Warrington Dawson, the United Press man who covered TR's
promptly sent to the President, who sent his personal aide, Captain
1909 African trip, returned to the United States, he sought an inter-
Archie Butt, off with a message for the boys. "I've. just heard,"
view with Corinne Robinson, TR's younger sister, to give her a
Butt told them, "that they're going to signal something from the
firsthand account of it. But when Dawson said that TR spent his
top of the War Building." Delighted, the boys went out to look. A
evenings resting, Mrs. Robinson was incredulous. "I have never
little later a man appeared on the roof of the building and signaled
known my brother Theodore to rest," she said. Dawson then ex-
the following message with a flag: "YOU, UNDER TREES, ALL OF
plained what he meant. At night, he said, TR and his companions
YOU. ATTACK ON THIS BUILDING MUST IMMEDIATELY CEASE HALT
would sit around the campfire and talk first about the day's hunting;
STOP. CLERKS CANNOT WORK. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS INTER-
then the conversation would branch out to cover medieval history
RUPTED. REPORT WITHOUT DELAY TO ME FOR YOU KNOW WHAT.
and literature, astronomy, perhaps the question of whether Louis
THEODORE ROOSEVELT." When the boys filed into the President's
XVII escaped from the Temple, then European politics and socialism.
office, he held a sham court-martial, pronounced them guilty, and
Exclaimed Mrs. Robinson, greatly relieved, "Yes, I can accept, now,
gently reprimanded them.52
your original statement that my brother Theodore rested!"55
Posing
Royal Funeral
TR and John Singer Sargent spent two afternoons trying to find a
In 1910, President Taft appointed TR special ambassador of the
suitable place in the White House to serve as the background for
United States at the funeral of Edward VII. "The President," Archie
a painting of the President. They tried pose after pose in place after
Butt, now Taft's aide, told his sister-in-law, "has named Mr. Roose-
place, but none was satisfactory. Sargent, of course, was anxious
velt to represent us at the King's funeral. With him and the Kaiser
to capture the real Roosevelt in the right surroundings, but TR
present, it will be a wonder if the corpse gets a passing thought."
was not deeply concerned about it and became increasingly tired
TR, in fact, played a fairly subdued role at the funeral. The only
of the search. Finally, as the two descended a staircase, he stopped
man in ordinary evening dress, he spent his time placating the French
at the bottom, rested his elbow on the newel, and turning to his
foreign minister, Stephen Pinchon (whose clothes were "stiff with
companion, said hopelessly, "Well, Sargent, we had better give it
gold lace"), who complained that the coach assigned to him and
up. We're after the impossible." "Don't move, Mr. President!" ex-
TR was an ordinary carriage while the royalty had glass coaches.
claimed Sargent quickly. "Don't move! We've got it!" And they had. 53
Never having heard of a glass coach, "excepting in connection with
Cinderella," TR was quite satisfied with the handsome vehicle as-
TR Gets Some Pointers
signed to them and persuaded Pinchon to get in. Pinchon then com-
plained that "ces Chinois" were to precede them in the procession.
Shortly before leaving the White House in March 1909, TR began
TR said that anyone as gorgeously attired as the Chinese should
making plans for a hunting trip to Africa. Hearing that a famous
go first, but Pinchon did not think the remark was funny. The final
English big-game hunter was in the United States, he invited him
straw for Pinchon was the fact that a prince-and a minor one at
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
211
210
that-was put into the carriage with the representatives of two repub-
It is one of a hundred million galaxies.
lics: a Persian prince whom TR described as "a deprecatory, inoffen-
It consists of one hundred billion suns,
sive-looking Levantine." Pinchon slammed himself into the left rear
each larger than our sun.
seat and flung his arms protectively over the right rear seat, indicating
Then TR would grin at Beebe and say, "Now I think we are small
that TR, not, "ce Perse," would have the place of honor. The Persian
enough! Let's go to bed!"58
prince meekly climbed in and sat opposite TR and Pinchon, "looking
about as unaggressive," according to Roosevelt, "as a rabbit in a
cage with two boa constrictors." Pinchon continued to complain
Heavenly Choir
that "toutes ces petites royautés" ("all these unimportant royalties"),
even "le roi du Portugal" ("the King of Portugal"), were preceding
On TR's first day in heaven, the story goes, he told St. Peter: "Your
choir is weak, inexcusably weak! You should reorganize it at once."
them in the procession, but TR begged him not "to make a row at
St. Peter at once assigned him the task of reorganization. "Well,"
a funeral."
Afterward, the Kaiser said to TR, "Call upon me at two o'clock;
said TR, "I need ten thousand sopranos, ten thousand altos, and
ten thousand tenors." "But what about the basses?" "Oh," said TR,
I have just 45 minutes to give to you." "I will be there at two,
"I'll sing bass."59
your Majesty," said TR, "but, unfortunately, I have but 20 minutes
to give you. "56
Promise.
Important Conversation
Toward the end of TR's life, his sister Corinne visited him in the
At a Chicago press conference during the 1912 presidential campaign,
hospital, and they talked about his future in case his health improved.
TR took Edward B. Clark, Chicago Evening Post reporter, aside
"Well, anyway," said TR finally, "no matter what comes, I have
for a long whispered conversation. Afterward, newsmen surrounded
kept the promise that I made to myself when I was twenty-one."
Clark, dying of curiosity. "Well," said Clark, "you'll hardly believe
"What promise, Theodore?" his sister asked. "I promised myself,"
this, but it's true. TR knows I am an amateur ornithologist, as he
said TR, bringing his right fist down on the arm of his chair, "that
is. It seems that yesterday morning at Sagamore Hill, his house in
I would work up to the hilt until I was sixty, and I have done it. I
Oyster Bay, he saw what he believes to be a hermit thrush, and he
have kept my promise, and now, even if I should be an invalid
wanted my opinion whether it could have been. He described the
or if I should die [snapping his fingers], what difference would
bird in detail." Clark said he told TR it might have been a hermit
it make?" "Theodore," said his sister, "do you remember what you
thrush, but he doubted it very much. This was in the midst of one
said to me nearly a year ago when you thought you were dying in
of the fiercest political battles in American history.57
this same hospital? You said that you were glad it was not one of
your boys that was dying at the time in this place, for they could
die for their country. Do you feel the same way now?" "Yes," said
Small Enough
TR, "just the same way. I wish that I might, like Quentin, have
At Sagamore Hill, TR and naturalist William Beebe used to play
died for my country." "I know you wish it," said his sister, "but I
a little game together. After an evening of talk, they would go out
want to tell you something. Every one of us
would, I feel sure,
on the lawn and search the skies until they found the faint spot of
if our country were in peril, be willing to bare our breasts to any
light-mist behind the lower lefthand corner of the Great Square of
bullet, could we, by so doing, protect and save our country.
Pegasus. Then they would recite:
The difference, Theodore, between you and the majority of us is
That is the Spiral Galaxy in Andromeda.
that you not only are willing and anxious to die for your country,
It is as large as our Milky Way.
but that you live for your country every day of your life. "60
BOOKS BY GEORGE SELDES
the
You Can't Print That
Can These Things Be?
GREAT
World Panorama
The Vatican: Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow
Iron, Blood and Profit
Quotations
Sawdust Caesar
Freedom of the Press
Lords of the Press
You Can't Do That
The Catholic Crisis
compiled by George Seldes
Witch Hunt
II
The Facts Are
Facts and Fascism
with an introduction by J. Donald Adams
1000 Americans
The People Don't Know
Tell the Truth and Run
A CAESAR-STUART BOOK : LYLE STUART/ NEW YORK
Karl Jaspers-Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
foundations, so does psychoanalysis' believe
necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly
That the impious presumption of legisla-
from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy
itself able to disclose this same spiritual
attainable.
The arms we have been
ture and ruler, civil as well as ecclesiastical,
author of our religion;" the insertion was
life as the sublimation of repressed im-
compelled by our enemies to assume we
who, being themselves but fallible and un-
rejected by a great majority, in proof that
pulses; and what, by these lights, is still
will, in defiance of every hazard, with un-
inspired men, have assumed dominion over
they meant to comprehend, within the man-
spoken of as civilization or culture, is con-
abating firmness and perseverance, employ
the faith of others, setting up their own
tle of its protection, the Jew and the Gen-
structed like an obsessional neurosis.
for the preservation of our liberties; being
opinions and modes of thinking as the only
tile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the
Man in the Modern Age, Doubleday,
with one mind resolved to die free men
true and infallible, and as such endeavour-
Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.
1957.
rather than live slaves.
ing to impose them on others, hath estab-
Autobiography; a reference to the
Declaration of the Causes of Taking
lished and maintained false religions over
Virginia Act for Religious Freedom.
Jean (Léon) Jaurès
the greatest part of the world and through
Up Arms, July 6, 1775.
all time.
Ibid.
It is error alone which needs the support
(1859-assassinated 1914)
of government. Truth can stand by itself.
French Socialist leader
We hold these truths to be sacred and
That it is time enough for the rightful
Notes on Virginia.
undeniable; that all men are created equal
purposes of civil government for its officers
There is only one sovereign method for
and independent, that from that equal crea-
to interfere when principles break out into
I tremble for my country when I reflect
the achievement of Socialism-the winning
tion they derive rights inherent and in-
overt acts against peace and good order.
that God is just; that his justice cannot
of a legal majority.
alienable, among which are the preservation
Ibid.
sleep forever; that considering numbers,
Studies in Socialism, 1902.
of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of hap-
nature, and natural means only, a revolu-
piness.
And, finally, that truth is great and will
tion of the wheel of fortune, an exchange
I have no superstitious belief in legality,
Original draft of the Declaration of
prevail if left to herself; that she is the
of situation, is among possible events; that
it has already received too many blows;
Independence.
proper and sufficient antagonist to error,
it may become probable by supernatural
but I always advise workmen to have re-
and has nothing to fear from the conflict
interference! The Almighty has no attribute
course to legal means, for violence is the
He (King George III) has waged cruel
unless by human interposition disarmed of
which can take side with us in such a con-
sign of temporary weakness.
Ibid.
war against human nature itself, violating
her natural weapons, free argument and
test.
Ibid.
Capitalism carries in itself war, like
its most sacred rights of life and liberty in
debate; errors ceasing to be dangerous when
clouds carry rain.
Ibid.
the persons of a distant people who never
it is permitted freely to contradict them.
Subject opinion to coercion: whom will
offended him, captivating and carrying
Ibid.
you make your inquisitors? Fallible men;
When Socialism has triumphed, when
them into slavery in another hemisphere,
men governed by bad passions, by private
conditions of peace have succeeded con-
or to incur miserable death in their trans-
We, the General Assembly of Virginia do
as well as public reasons. And why subject
ditions of combat, when all men have their
portation thither.
Ibid.
enact that no man shall be compelled to
it to coercion? To produce uniformity. But
share of property in the immense human
frequent or support any religious worship,
is uniformity of opinion desirable? No more
capital, and their share of initiative and of
Well aware that the opinions and belief
place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be
than of face and stature.
Ibid.
the exercise of free-will in the immense
of men depend not on their own will, but
enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened
human activity, then all men will know
follow involuntarily the evidence proposed
in his body or goods, or shall otherwise
Difference of opinion is advantageous in
the fulness of pride and joy; and they will
to their minds; that Almighty God hath
suffer, on account of his religious opinions
religion. The several sects perform the office
feel that they are co-operators in the uni-
created the mind free, and manifested His
or belief; but that all men shall be free to
of a censor morum over each other. Ibid.
versal civilization.
Ibid.
supreme will that free it shall remain by
profess, and by argument to maintain, their
making it altogether insusceptible of re-
opinions in matters of religion, and that the
Is uniformity attainable? Millions of in-
Thomas Jefferson
straint; that all attempts to influence it by
same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or
nocent men, women, and children, since the
temporal punishments, or burdens, or by
affect their civil capacities.
Ibid.
introduction of Christianity, have been
(1743-1826)
civil incapacitations, tend only to beget
burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned; yet we
3rd President of the United States
habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are
Where the preamble declares, that CO-
have not advanced an inch towards uni-
a departure from the plan of the holy
ercion is a departure from the plan of the
formity. What has been the effect of co-
DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS
author of our religion.
holy author of our religion, an amendment
ercion? To make one half the world fools,
Our cause is just. Our union is perfect.
Virginia Act for Religious Freedom,
was proposed by inserting the words "Jesus
and the other half hypocrites. To support
Our internal resources are great, and, if
1786.
Christ," SO that it should read, "A departure
roguery and error all over the earth. Ibid.
[362]
[363]
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
It does me no injury for my neighbor to
potic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter
force, the vital principle and immediate
say there are twenty gods, or no God.
make a convert, nor wished to change an-
and bloody persecutions.
Ibid.
parent of despotism; a well disciplined
Ibid.
other's creed. I have ever judged of others'
But every difference of opinion is not a
militia-our best reliance in peace and for
religion by their lives
for it is from
Those who labor in the earth are the
difference of principle. We have called by
the first moments of war, till regulars may
our lives and not from our words, that our
chosen people of God, if ever He had a
different names brethren of the same prin-
relieve them; the supremacy of the civil
religion must be read.
Ibid.,
Vol.
XV.
chosen people.
Ibid.
ciple. We are all republicans-we are all
over the military authority; economy in the
federalists. If there be any among us who
public expense, that labor may be lightly
The whole of government consists in the
But is the spirit of the people infallible
burdened; the honest payment of our debts
art of being honest.
Ibid., VI, 186.
-a permanent reliance? Is it government?
would wish to dissolve this Union or to
change its republican form, let them stand
and sacred preservation of the public faith;
The spirit of the times may alter-will
undisturbed as monuments of the safety
encouragement of agriculture, and of com-
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our
with which error of opinion may be toler-
merce as its handmaid; the diffusion of in-
Motto-found among his papers.
people careless. A single zealot may become
persecutor, and better men become his vic-
ated where reason is left free to combat it.
formation and the arraignment of all abuses
tims.
Ibid.
Ibid.
at the bar of public reason; freedom of re-
ON FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
ligion; freedom of the press; freedom of
No man complains of his neighbor for
a wise and frugal government, which
person under the protection of the habeas
Printing presses shall be subject to no
ill management of his affairs, for an error
shall restrain men from injuring one another,
corpus; and trial by juries impartially se-
other restraint than liableness to legal prose-
in sowing his land, or marrying his daugh-
which shall leave them otherwise free to
lected-these principles form the bright con-
cution for false facts printed and published.
ter, for consuming his substance in taverns
regulate their own pursuits of industry and
stellation which has gone before us, and
Proposed Constitution for Virginia,
in all these he has liberty; but if he
improvement, and shall not take from the
guided our steps through the age of revolu-
1783.
mouth of labor the bread it has earned.
tion and reformation. The wisdom of our
does not frequent the church, or then con-
It is, however, an evil for which there is
Ibid.
sages and the blood of our heroes have been
form in ceremonies, there is an immediate
no remedy, our liberty depends on the free-
devoted to their attainment. They should
uproar.
Ibid.
dom of the press, and that cannot be
It is proper that you should understand
be the creed of our political faith-the text
limited without being lost.
This institution will be based on the il-
what I deem the essential principles of our
of civil instruction-the touchstone by which
To Dr. J. Currie, 1786.
limitable freedom of the human mind. For
government, and consequently those which
to try the services of those we trust; and
here we are not afraid to follow truth
ought to shape its administration.
should we wander from them in moments
I am persuaded that the good sense of
wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate error
Equal and exact justice to all men, of what-
of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace
the people will always be found to be the
so long as reason is free to combat it.
ever state or persuasion, religious or politi-
our steps and to regain the road which alone
best army. They may be led astray for a
To prospective teachers, University of
cal; peace, commerce, and honest friend-
leads to peace, liberty, and safety. Ibid.
moment, but will soon correct themselves.
Virginia.
ship, with all nations-entangling alliances
The people are the only censors of their
with none; the support of the state govern-
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism
governors, and even their errors will tend
All, too, will bear in mind this sacred
ments in all their rights, as the most com-
to the boisterous sea of liberty.
to keep these to the true principles of their
petent administrations for our domestic con-
Quoted by Brooks, From a Writer's
principle, that though the will of the ma-
institutions. To punish these errors too se-
jority is in all cases to prevail, that will,
cerns and the surest bulwarks against anti-
Notebook, Dutton, p. 165.
verely would be to suppress the only safe-
to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the
republican tendencies; the preservation of
My answer (to a letter from a mutual
guards of the public liberty.
minority possess their equal rights, which
the general government in its whole consti-
friend) was: "Say nothing of my religion.
To Edward Carrington, 1787.
equal laws must protect, and to violate
tutional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our
It is known to God and myself alone. Its
which would be oppression.
peace at home and safety abroad; a jealous
evidence before the world is to be sought
The way to prevent these irregular inter-
First Inaugural Address, 1801.
care of the rights of election by the people
in my life; if that has been honest and duti-
positions of the people, is to give them full
-a mild and safe corrective of abuses which
ful to society the religion which has regu-
information of their affairs through the
And let us reflect that having banished
are lopped by the sword of the revolution
lated it cannot be a bad one."
channel of the public papers, and to con-
from our land that religious intolerance
where peaceable remedies are unprovided;
Letter to John Adams, Works, Vol.
trive that those papers should penetrate
under which mankind so long bled and
absolute acquiescence in the decisions of
VII, p. 55.
the whole mass of the people.
Ibid.
suffered, we have yet gained little if we
the majority-the vital principle of repub-
countenance a political intolerance as des-
lics, from which there is no appeal but to
I never told my own religion, nor scruti-
The basis of our government being the
nized that of another. I never attempted to
opinion of the people, the very first object
[364]
[365]
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
should be to keep that right; and were it
never before known or borne by any civi-
Within that it is a noble institution, equally
destroyed the utility of the press than all
left to me to decide whether we should
lized nation. But it is so difficult to draw a
the friend of science & of civil liberty.
the shackles devised by Bonaparte.
have a government without newspapers, or
clear line of separation between the abuse
To Thos. Seymour, Jonth. Bull, and
To T. Wortman, 1813. Quoted by Saul
newspapers without government, I should
and the wholesome use of the press, that
other citizens of Hartford, Conn.,
Padover, Thomas Jefferson on De-
not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.
as yet we have found it better to trust the
February 11, 1807.
mocracy.
But I should mean that every man should
public judgment, rather than the magistrate,
receive those papers, and be capable of
with the discrimination between truth and
It is a melancholy truth, that a suppres-
If a nation expects to be ignorant and
reading them.
Ibid.
falsehood. And hitherto the public judg-
sion of the press could not more completely
free, in a state of civilization, it expects
ment has performed that office with won-
deprive the nation of its benefits, than is
what never was and never will be. The
Our citizens may be deceived for a while,
derful correctness.
To Pictet, 1803.
done by its abandoned prostitution to false-
functionaries of every government have
and have been deceived; but as long as the
hood.
To J. Norvell, 1807.
propensities to command at will the liberty
presses can be protected, we may trust
No experiment can be more interesting
and property of their constituents. There
them for light.
than that we are now trying, and which we
Nothing can now be believed which is
is no safe deposit for these but with the
To Archibald Stuart, 1789.
trust will end in establishing the fact, that
seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes
people themselves; nor can they be safe
man may be governed by reason and truth.
suspicious by being put into that polluted
with them without information. Where the
Printing presses shall be free except as
Our first object should therefore be, to
vehicle.
Ibid.
press is free, and every man able to read,
to false facts published maliciously, either
leave open to him all the avenues of truth.
all is safe. To Col. Charles Yancey, 1816.
to injure the reputation of another, whether
The most effectual hitherto found is the
I really look with commiseration over the
followed by pecuniary damages or not, or
freedom of the press. It is, therefore, the
great body of my fellow citizens, who,
to expose him to the punishment of the law.
Advertisements contain the only truths to
first shut up by those who fear the investi-
reading newspapers, live and die in the
be relied on in a newspaper.
1794.
gation of their actions.
belief, that they have known something of
To Judge Tyler, 1804.
To Nathaniel Macon, 1819.
I am for
freedom of the press and
what has been passing in the world in their
against all violations of the Constitution to
The firmness with which the people have
time; whereas the accounts they have read
silence by force, and not by reason, the
withstood the late abuses of the press, the
in newspapers are just as true a history of
I read but one newspaper and that
more for its advertisements than its news.
complaints or criticisms, just or unjust, of
discernment they have manifested between
any period of the world as of the present,
our citizens against the conduct of their
except that the real names of the day are
To Charles Pickering, 1820.
truth and falsehood, show that they may
affixed to their fables.
Ibid.
agents.
safely be trusted to hear everything true
5. Freedom of the press, subject only
To Elbridge Gerry, January 26, 1799.
and false, and to form a correct judgment
The man who never looks into a news-
between them.
to liability for personal injuries. This
Ibid.
To the press alone, chequered as it is
paper is better informed than he who reads
formidable censor of the public function-
with abuses, the world is indebted for all
Conscious that there was not a truth on
them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing
aries, by arraigning them at the tribunal of
the triumphs which have been gained by
earth which I feared should be known, I
is nearer to truth than he whose mind is
public opinion, produces reform peaceably,
reason and humanity over error and op-
have lent myself willingly on the subject
filled with falsehoods and errors.
Ibid.
which must otherwise be done by revolu-
pression.
of a great experiment, which was to prove
tion. It is also the best instrument for
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions,
that an administration, conducting itself
Perhaps an editor might begin a reforma-
enlightening the mind of man, and improv-
1799.
with integrity and common understanding,
tion in some such way as this. Divide his
ing him as a rational, moral, and social
cannot be battered down, even by the
paper into four chapters, heading the 1st,
being.
To Coray, 1823.
They (the Federalists) fill their news-
falsehoods of a licentious press.
Truths. 2d, Probabilities. 3d, Possibilities.
papers with falsehoods, calumnies, and au-
I have never therefore even contradicted
4th, Lies. The first chapter would be very
The only security of all is in a free press.
dacities.
I shall protect them in the
the thousands of calumnies so industriously
short.
Ibid.
The force of public opinion cannot be re-
right of lying and calumniating.
propagated against myself. But the fact
sisted, when permitted freely to be ex-
To Volney, 1802.
being once established, that the press is im-
At present it is disreputable to state a
pressed. The agitation it produces must be
potent when it abandons itself to falsehood,
fact on newspaper authority; and the news-
submitted to. It is necessary to keep the
Indeed the abuses of the freedom of the
I leave to others to restore it to its strength,
papers of our country by their abandoned
waters pure.
press here have been carried to a length
by recalling it within the pale of truth.
spirit of falsehood, have more effectively
To Marquis de LaFayette, 1823.
[366]
[367]
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
I shall never take another newspaper of
What country before, ever existed a cen-
portant, and the consequences of error may
The republican is the only form of govern-
any sort.
tury and a half without a rebellion? And
be too serious.
ment which is not eternally at open or
Letter to Madison, quoted in Nieman
what country can preserve its liberties, if
To Peter Carr (nephew), August 10,
secret war with the rights of mankind.
Reports.
its rulers are not warned from time to time,
1787.
To Hunter, 1790.
that this people preserve the spirit of re-
I do not take a single newspaper, nor
sistance? Let them take arms. The remedy
Shake off all the fears of servile preju-
No man will ever bring out of the Presi-
read one a month, and I feel myself infi-
is to set them right as to facts, pardon and
dices, under which weak minds are servilely
dency the reputation which carries him
nitely the happier for it.
pacify them. What signify a few lives lost
crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and
into it.
To Rutledge, 1796.
in a century or two?
Ibid.
call on her tribunal for every fact, every
JEFFERSON LETTERS
opinion. Question with boldness even the
Politics is such a torment that I would
The tree of liberty must be refreshed
existence of a God; because, if there be
advise every one I love not to mix with it.
Merchants love nobody.
from time to time, with the blood of
one, he must more approve of the homage
To Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1800.
To John Langdon, 1785.
patriots and tyrants. It is their natural
of reason than that of blindfolded fear.
manure.
Ibid.
They (the clergy) believe that any por-
Ibid.
The most important bill in our whole
tion of power confided to me, will be
code is that for the diffusion of knowledge
I will now tell you what I do not like.
Do not be frightened from this inquiry
exerted in opposition to their schemes. And
among the people. No other sure founda-
First, the omission of a bill of rights, pro-
by any fear of its consequences. If it ends
they believe rightly: for I have sworn
tion can be devised, for the preservation
viding clearly, and without the aid of
in a belief that there is no God, you will
upon the altar of God, eternal hostility
of freedom and happiness.
sophism, for freedom of religion, freedom
find incitements to virtue in the comfort
against every form of tyranny over the
To George Wythe, August, 1786.
of the press, protection against standing
and pleasantness you feel in its exercise,
mind of man.* But this is all they have to
armies, restriction of monopolies, the eternal
and the love of others which it will procure
fear from me: and enough too in their
Preach, my dear sir, a crusade against
and unremitting force of the habeas corpus
you. If you find reason to believe there is
opinion. To Dr. Benjamin Rush, 1800.
ignorance; establish and improve the law
laws, and trials by jury, in all matters of
a God, a consciousness that you are acting
I contemplate with sovereign reverence
for educating the common people. Let our
fact triable by the law of the land, and not
under his eye, and that he approves you,
that act of the whole American people
countrymen know, that the people alone
by the laws of nations.
will be a vast additional incitement. Ibid.
which declared that their legislature should
can protect us against these evils (of mon-
To James Madison, 1787.
make no law respecting an establishment
archy), and that the tax which will be paid
for this purpose, is not more than a thou-
I have a right to nothing which another
The natural progress of things is for liber-
of religion, or prohibit the free exercise
has a right to take away. And Congress
ty to yield and government to gain ground.
thereof, thus building a wall of separation
sandth part of what will be paid to kings,
will have a right to take away trial by jury
To Carrington, 1788.
between church and state.
priests, and nobles, who will rise up among
in all civil cases. Let me add that a bill of
To Baptists of Danbury, Conn., 1802.
us if we keep the people in ignorance.
Every government degenerates when
Ibid.
rights is what the people are entitled to
trusted to the rulers of the people alone.
It behooves every man who values liberty
against every government on earth, general
The people themselves therefore are its only
of conscience for himself, to resist inva-
The art of life is the avoiding of pain.
or particular, and what no just government
safe depositories.
sions of it in the case of others.
To Mrs. Cosway, 1786.
should refuse or rest on inference. Ibid.
To Abbé Arnoud, July 19, 1789.
To Dr. Rush, 1803.
God forbid we should ever be twenty
This abomination (Negro slavery) must
years without such a rebellion.
have an end. To Edward Rutledge, 1787.
No society can make a perpetual constitu-
I never will, by any word or act, bow to
To Colonel William S. Smith, 1787.
tion, or even a perpetual law.
the shrine of intolerance, or admit a right
Religion
To Madison, 1789.
in inquiry into the religious opinions of
The people cannot be all, and always,
Divest yourself of all bias
others.
To Edward Dowse, 1803.
well informed. The part which is wrong
in favor of novelty and singularity of
opinion. Indulge them in any other subject
That the earth belongs in usufruct to the
will be discontented, in proportion to the
It is too late in the day for men of sin-
importance of the facts they misconceive.
rather than that of religion. It is too im-
living; that the dead have neither powers
cerity to pretend they believe in the Pla-
nor right over it. The portion occupied by
If they remain quiet under such misconcep-
tonic mysticisms that three are one, and
any individual ceases to be his when he
tions, it is a lethargy, a forerunner of death
o Barère: "The tree of liberty will grow only
himself ceases to be, and reverts to society.
The italicized words appear on the Jef-
to the public liberty.
Ibid.
when watered by the blood of tyrants." 1792.
Ibid., September 6, 1789.
ferson Memorial, Washington, D. C.
[368]
[369]
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
one is three; and yet that the one is not
There is a natural aristocracy among
In every country and in every age, the
those badges of schism behind.
Let us
three, and the three are not one.
But
men. The grounds of this are virtue and
priest has been hostile to liberty. He is
not be uneasy then about the different roads
this constitutes the craft, the power and
talents.
There is also an artificial aris-
always in alliance with the despot, abetting
we may pursue, as believing them the
the profit of the priests.
tocracy founded on wealth and birth, with-
his abuses in return for protection to his
shortest, to that our last abode.
To John Adams, 1803.
out either virtue or talents; for with these
own. It is easier to acquire wealth and
To Miles King, September 26, 1814.
it would belong to the first class. The natu-
power by this combination than by deserv-
We should all then, like the Quakers, live
ral aristocracy I consider as the most previ-
ing them, and to effect this, they have per-
The priests have so disfigured the simple
without an order of priests, moralize for
ous gift of nature, for the instruction, the
verted the purest religion ever preached to
religion of Jesus that no one who reads
ourselves, follow the oracle of conscience,
trusts, and government of society.
man into mystery and jargon, unintelligible
the sophistications they have engrafted on
and say nothing about what no man can
May we not even say, that that form of
to all mankind, and therefore the safer en-
it, with the jargon of Plato, or Aristotle,
understand, nor therefore believe. Ibid.
government is best, which provides the
gine for their purposes.
and other mystics, would conceive these
most effectually for a pure selection of
To Horatio Spofford, 1814.
could have been fathered on the sublime
But a short time elapsed after the death
these natural aristoi into the offices of gov-
preacher of the Sermon on the Mount.
of the great reformer of the Jewish re-
ernment? The artificial aristocracy is a mis-
Are we to have a censor whose imprima-
To Dr. B. Waterhouse, 1815; N. Y. Pub-
ligion, before his principles were departed
chievous ingredient in government, and
tur shall say what books may be sold, and
lic Library ms. IV, 2-3, quoted by Pad-
from by those who professed to be his
provision should be made to prevent its
what we may buy? And who is thus to
over.
special servants, and perverted into an
ascendancy.
To John Adams, 1813.
dogmatize religious opinions for our citi-
engine for enslaving mankind, and aggran-
zens? Whose foot is to be the measure to
Of all the systems of morality, ancient
which ours are all to be cut or stretched?
The question before the human race is,
dizing their oppressors in Church and State.
To S. Kercheval, 1810.
or modern, which have come under my
Is a priest to be our inquisitor, or shall a
whether the God of Nature shall govern
observation, none appears to me so pure
layman, simple as ourselves, set up his
the world by His own laws, or whether
The purest system of morals ever before
as that of Jesus. To W. Canby, 1813.
reason as the rule of what we are to read,
priests and kings shall rule it by fictitious
miracles.
preached to man has been adulterated and
and what we must believe?
To John Adams, 1815.
sophisticated by artificial constructions, into
History I believe furnishes no example
To Dufief, Philadelphia bookseller,
a mere contrivance to filch wealth and
This loathsome combination of Church
of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free
1814, on the occasion of prosecution
power to themselves: that rational men, not
and State.
for selling De Becourt's "Sur le Créa-
To C. Clay, 1815.
civil government. This marks the lowest
being able to swallow their impious heresies,
grade of ignorance, of which their political
tion du Monde, un Système ďOrgani-
in order to force them down their throats,
as well as religious leaders will always avail
sation Primitive."
I am not among those who fear the peo-
they raise the hue and cry of infidelity,
themselves for their own purpose.
ple. They, and not the rich, are our de-
while themselves are the greatest obstacle
To Baron von Humboldt, 1813.
If M. de Becourt's book be false in its
pendence for continued freedom.
to the advancement of the real doctrines
facts, disprove them; if false in its reason-
To S. Kercheval, 1816.
of Jesus, and do, in fact, constitute the
You give a just outline of the theism of
ing, refute it. But, for God's sake, let us
real Anti-Christ.
Ibid.
the three religions, when you say that the
freely hear both sides, if we choose. Ibid.
Some men look at constitutions with sanc-
principle of the Hebrew was fear, of the
timonious reverence and deem them like
A strict observance of the written laws
Gentile the honor, and of the Christian the
The doctrines that flowed from the lips
the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be
is doubtless one of the high duties of a
love of God. To Adams, October 13, 1813.
of Jesus himself are within the compre-
touched. They ascribe to the men of the
good (officer), but it is not the highest. The
hension of a child; but thousands of volumes
preceding age a wisdom more than human,
laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of
The earth belongs to the living, not to
have not yet explained the Platonisms en-
and suppose what they did to be beyond
saving our country when in danger, are of
the dead.
To J. W. Eppes, 1813.
grafted on them; and for this obvious rea-
amendment.
Laws and institutions must
higher obligation.
son, that nonsense can never be explained.
go hand in hand with the progress of the
To John B. Colvin, 1810.
We may consider each generation as a
To Adams, July 5, 1814.
human mind.
As new discoveries are
distinct nation, with a right, by the will
made, new truths disclosed, and manners
We have long suffered under base prosti-
of its majority, to bind themselves, but none
We have heard it said that there is not
and opinions change with the change of
tution of law to party passions in one judge,
to bind the succeeding generation, more
a Quaker or a Baptist, a Presbyterian or an
circumstances, institutions must advance
and the imbecility of another.
than the inhabitants of another country.
Episcopalian, a Catholic or a Protestant in
also, and keep pace with the times.
To Governor Tyler, May 26, 1810.
Ibid.
heaven; that on entering the gate, we leave
Each generation
has right to choose
[370]
[371]
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
for itself the form of government it believes
quarreling, fighting, burning and torturing
lent morality, and the rescuing it from the
(I am) happy in the restoration, of the
the most promotive of its own happiness.
one another, for abstractions unintelligible
imputation of imposture, which has resulted
Jews, particularly, to their social rights
A solemn opportunity of doing this
to themselves and to all others, and abso-
from artificial systems, invented by ultra-
(I have) ever felt regret at seeing a sect,
every 19 or 20 years should be provided by
lutely beyond the comprehension of the hu-
Christian sects
is a most desirable ob-
the parent and basis of all those of Chris-
the constitution.
Ibid.
man mind.
ject.
To Short, October 31, 1819.
tendom, singled out by all of them for a
To Carey, 1816; ms. IV, quoted by
The genuine and simple religion of Jesus
persecution and oppression which proved
You judge truly that I am not afraid of
Padover.
will one day be restored: such as it was
they had profited nothing from the benevo-
priests. They have tried upon me all their
If by religion we are to understand sec-
preached and practised by himself. Very
lent doctrines of Him whom they profess
various batteries, of pious whining, hypo-
tarian dogmas, in which no two of them
soon after his death it became muffled up
to make the model of their principle and
critical canting, lying & slandering, with-
agree, then your exclamation on that hy-
in mysteries, and has been ever since kept
practice.
out being able to give me one moment of
To De La Motte and Joseph Marx,
pain. I have contemplated their order from
pothesis is just, "that this would be the best
in concealment from the vulgar eye.
To Van der Kemp, 1820.
1820; quoted by Foner, Thomas Jef-
the Magi of the East to the Saints of the
of all possible worlds, if there were no re-
ferson: Selected Writings.
West and I have found no difference of
ligion in it." But if the moral precepts, in-
It is not to be understood that I am
character, but of more or less caution, in
nate in man, and made a part of his physical
with him (Jesus Christ) in all his doctrines.
My aim
was, to justify the character
proportion to their information or ignorance
constitution, as necessary for a social being,
I am a Materialist; he takes the side of
of Jesus against the fictions of his pseudo-
on whom their interested duperies were to
if the sublime doctrine of philanthropism and
Spiritualism; he preaches the efficacy of
followers, which have exposed him to the
be plaid off. Their sway in New England is
deism taught us by Jesus of Nazareth, in
repentance toward forgiveness of sin; I
inference of being an imposter. For if we
indeed formidable. No mind beyond medi-
which all agree, constitute true religion,
require a counterpoise of good works to
could believe that he really countenanced
ocrity dares there to develop itself.
then, without it, this would be, as you say,
redeem it.
the follies, the falsehoods, and the charla-
To Horatio G. Spofford, 1816.
"something not fit to be named even, indeed,
Among the sayings and discourses im-
tanisms which his biographers father upon
a hell."
To Adams, May 5, 1817.
puted to him by his biographers, I find
him, and admit the misconstructions, in-
There would never have been an infidel,
many passages of fine imagination, correct
I am of a sect by myself, as far as I know.
terpolations, and theorizations of the
if there had never been a priest.
morality, and of the most lovely benevo-
I am not a Jew, and therefore do not adopt
fathers of the early, and fanatics of the
To Mrs. Harrison Smith, 1816.
lence; and others, again, of so much ig-
their theology, which supposes the God of
latter ages, the conclusion would be irresisti-
norance, so much absurdity, so much un-
I know nothing of the History of the
infinite justice to punish the sins of the
ble by every sound mind, that he was an
truth, charlatanism and imposture, as to
fathers upon their children, unto the third
imposter.
To Story, August 4, 1820.
Jesuits you mention, in four volumes. Is
pronounce it impossible that such contra-
it a good one? I dislike, with you, their
and fourth generations; and the benevolent
dictions should have proceeded from the
restoration, because it marks a retrogade
and sublime reformer of that religion (Jesus
same being. I separate, therefore, the gold
The office of reformer of the supersti-
step from light towards darkness.
of Nazareth) has told us only that God is
tions of a nation; is ever dangerous. Jesus
from the dross; restore to him the former,
To Adams, August 1, 1816; reply to
good and perfect, but has not defined him.
and leave the latter to the stupidity of
had to work on the perilous confines of
letter of May 6.
To Ezra Stiles (President of Yale),
some, the roguery of others of his disciples.
reason and religion; and a step to right or
June 25, 1819.
Of this band of dupes and imposters, Paul
left might place him within the grasp of
Ours will be the follies of enthusiasm,
the priests of the superstition, a blood-
was the great Coryphaeus, and first cor-
not of bigotry, not of Jesuitism. Bigotry is
But the greatest of all reformers of the de-
thirsty race, as cruel and remorseless as the
ruptor of the doctrines of Jesus.
the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds;
praved religion of his own country, was Jesus
being whom they represented as the family
To W. Short, 1820.
enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. Edu-
of Nazareth. Abstracting what is really his
God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob,
cation and free discussion are the antidotes
from the rubbish in which it is buried, easily
Jefferson's footnote: "The immaculate con-
and the local God of Israel.
That Jesus
of both. We are destined to be a barrier
distinguished by its lustre from the dross of
ception of Jesus, his deification, the creation
did not mean to impose himself on man-
against the return of ignorance and bar-
his biographers, and as separable from that
of the world by him, his miraculous powers,
kind as the son of God, physically speak-
barism.
Ibid.
as the diamond from the dunghill, we have
his resurrection and visible ascension, his
ing, I have been convinced by the writings
the outlines of a system of the most sublime
corporeal presence in the Eucharist, the
of men more learned than myself in that
On the dogmas of religion, as distinguished
morality which has ever fallen from the lips
Trinity; original sin, atonement, regenera-
lore.
Ibid.
from moral principles, all mankind, from the
of man
The establishment of the inno-
tion, election, orders of the Hierarchy, etc.
beginning of the world to this day, have been
cent and genuine character of this benevo-
-T.J."
To give rest to my mind, I was obliged
[372]
[373]
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson-St. Jerome
to recur ultimately to my habitual anodyne,
compare with these the demoralizing dog-
and provide for themselves; and their in-
science has already laid open to every view
"I feel, therefore I exist."
mas of Calvin.
experience, their ignorance and bigotry
the palpable truth that the mass of mankind
1. That there are three Gods.
make them instruments often, in the hands
has not been born with saddles on their
To Adams, August 15, 1820.
2. That good works, or the love of our
of the Bonapartes and Iturbides, to defeat
backs, nor a favored few booted and
I hold the precepts of Jesus, as delivered
neighbor, is nothing.
their own rights and purposes.
spurred ready to ride them legitimately by
by himself, to be the most pure, benevo-
To Adams, 1823.
3. That faith is every thing, and the
the grace of God. These are grounds of
lent, and sublime which have ever been
preached to man. I adhere to the principles
more incomprehensible the proposition, the
hope for others.
Men by their constitutions are naturally
more merit the faith.
of the first age; and consider all subsequent
divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear
To Roger C. Weightman, June 24,
4. That reason in religion is of unlaw-
innovations as corruptions of this religion,
and distrust the people and wish to draw
1826, the 50th anniversary of the
ful use.
having no foundation in what came from
all powers from them into the hands of the
Declaration; and ten days before Jef-
5. That God, from the beginning, elected
ferson's death.
him. To Jared Sparks, November 4, 1820.
higher classes. 2. Those who identify them-
certain individuals to be saved, and certain
selves with the people, have confidence in
Our judges are as honest as other men,
others to be damned; and that no crimes
That to compel a man to furnish con-
them, cherish and consider them as the
and not more so. They have, with others,
of the former can damn them; no virtues
tributions of money for the propagation of
most honest and safe, although not the most
the same passions for party, for power, and
of the latter save.
opinions which he disbelieves and abhors,
wise depository of the public interests. In
the privilege of their corps.
To Benjamin Waterhouse, June 26,
is sinful and tyrannical.
Ibid.
every country these two parties exist, and
To William Charles Jarvis, 1820.
1822.
in every one where they are free to think,
I know of no safe depository of the ulti-
speak, and write, they will declare them-
Had the doctrines of Jesus been preached
Francis Jeffrey
mate powers of society but the people them-
selves. Call them, therefore, liberals and
always as pure as they came from his lips,
(1773-1850)
selves; and if we think them not enlightened
serviles, Jacobins and Ultras, whigs and
the whole civilized world would now have
Scottish critic, essayist, jurist
enough to exercise their control with a
tories, republicans and federalists, aristo-
been Christian.
Ibid.
wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to
crats and democrats, or by whatever name
Opinions founded on prejudice are always
take it from them, but to inform their dis-
you please, they are the same parties still,
(Creeds) have been the bane of the
sustained with the greatest violence.
cretion by education.
Ibid., 1821.
Christian church
made of Christendom
and pursue the same object. The last appel-
lation of aristocrats and democrats is the
No one sees with greater pleasure than
a slaughter-house.
Ibid.
true one expressing the essence of all.
St. Jerome
myself the progress of reason in its advances
The truth is, that the greatest enemies
To Henry Lee, 1824.
(né Eusebius Hieronymus)
towards rational Christianity. When we
shall have done away the incomprehensible
of the doctrine of Jesus are those, calling
There is no truth existing which I fear,
(340?-420)
jargon of the Trinitarian arithmetic, that
themselves the expositors of them, who
or would wish unknown to the whole world.
Catholic church father
three are one, and one is three
have perverted them to the structure of a
To Henry Lee, 1826.
To Timothy Pickering, February 27,
system of fancy absolutely incomprehensi-
All riches come from iniquity, and unless
1821.
ble, and without any foundation in his
May it [the Declaration of Independ-
one has lost, another cannot gain. Hence
genuine words. And the day will come,
ence] be to the world what I believe it will
that common opinion seems to be very true,
The religion-builders have so distorted
when the mystical generation of Jesus, by
be (to some parts sooner, to others later,
"the rich man is unjust, or the heir to an
and deformed the doctrines of Jesus, so
the Supreme Being as his father, in the
but finally to all): the signal of arousing
unjust one." Opulence is always the result
muffled them in mysticism, fancies and
womb of a virgin, will be classed with the
men to burst the chains under which monk-
of theft, if not committed by the actual
falsehoods.
Ibid.
fable of the generation of Minerva in the
ish ignorance and superstition have per-
possessor, then by his predecessor.
brain of Jupiter.
suaded them to bind themselves and assume
American Catholic Trade Union.
Had there never been a commentator,
To Adams, April 11, 1823.
there never would have been an infidel.
the blessings and security of self-govern-
"Labor."
Ibid.
ment. That form which we have substituted,
The generation which commences a revo-
restores the free right of the unbounded
I will say it boldly, though God can do
The doctrines of Jesus are simple, and
lution rarely completes it. Habituated from
exercise of reason and freedom of opinion.
all things, He cannot raise a virgin up after
tend all to the happiness of man.
But
their infancy to passive submission of body
All eyes are opened or opening to the rights
she has fallen.
and mind to their kings and priests, they
of man. The general spread of the light of
The Virgin's Confession, c. 420.
. Cf. Descartes, Cogito, ergo sum.
are not qualified when called on to think
[375]
[374]
John Lilburne-David E. Lilienthal
David E. Lilienthal-Abraham Lincoln
John Lilburne
XI. We do not empower them to impress
and defend the integrity and the dignity of
I go for all sharing the privileges of the
(1614-1657)
or constrain any person to serve in war by
the individual; that that is the essential
government who assist in bearing its bur-
English agitator, Puritan pamphleteer
Sea or Land every man's Conscience being
meaning of the Constitution and the Bill
dens. Consequently I go for admitting all
to be satisfied in the justness of that cause
of Rights, and it is essentially the meaning
whites to the right of suffrage who pay
They may talk of freedom, but what
whereto he hazards his own life or may
of religion.
taxes or bear arms (by no means excluding
reedom indeed is there, so long as they
destroy an other's.
Ibid.
Testimony, Joint Congressional Com-
females).
top the Presse, which is indeed, and hath
en so accounted in all free Nations, the
XVI. That it shall not be in the power
mittee, February 4, 1947, which in-
Letter to Sangamon Journal, dated
of any Representative to punish, or cause
vestigated his fitness as head of the
New Salem, June 13, 1836.
nost essential part thereof.
The Second Part of England's New-
to be punished, any person or persons for
Atomic Energy Commission.
These capitalists generally act harmoni-
Chains Discovered, 1648.
refusing to answer to questions against
themselves in Criminall cases.
Any form of government, therefore, and
ously and in concert, to fleece the people.
Ibid.
We the People of England to whom God
any other institutions which make men
Speech, Illinois Legislature, January,
ath given hearts, means and opportunity to
XXI. That it shall not be in their power
means rather than ends, which exalt the
1837.
ffect the same (the restoration of "the true
to make or continue any Law, for taking
state or any other institutions above the
undamentall Laws and common Freedomes
away any man's life, except for murther,
importance of men, which place arbitrary
As the patriots of Seventy-six did to the
f the People") do with submission to his
or other the like hainous offence destruc-
power over men as a fundamental tenet of
support of the Declaration of Independence,
visdom, in his name and desiring the
tive to humane society.
Ibid.
government are contrary to that conception,
so to the support of the Constitution and
and, therefore, I am deeply opposed to
the Laws let every American pledge his
quity thereof may be to his praise and
lory: Agree to ascertain our Government,
XXII. That it shall not be in their power
them.
Ibid.
life, his property, and his sacred honor; let
abolish all arbitrary Power, and to set
to continue or make any Law, to deprive
every man remember that to violate the
ounds and limits both for our Supreme,
any person in case of Tryalls for Life,
It is very easy to talk about being against
law is to trample on the blood of his father,
nd all Subordinate Authority, and to re-
Limb, Liberty, or Estate from the benefit
communism. It is equally important to be-
and to tear the charter of his own and his
love all known Grievances.
of Witnesses on his or their behalf. Ibid.
lieve those things which provide a satisfy-
children's liberty.
ing and effective alternative. Democracy is
Address, The Perpetuation of Our Po-
An Agreement of the Free People of
England, Tendered as a Peace-Offering
David E. Lilienthal
that satisfying, affirmative alternative.
litical Institutions, Young Men's Ly-
Ibid.
to this distressed Nation. By Lieu-
(b. 1899)
ceum, Springfield, Illinois, January 27,
1837.
tenant Colonel John Lilburne, Master
American industrial executive
We believe in man not merely as produc-
William Welwyn, Master Thomas
tion units, but as the child of God. We be-
Let me not be understood as saying that
Prince, and Master Richard Overton,
Methods can be developed-methods I
lieve that the purpose of our society is not
there are no bad laws, or that grievances
Prisoners in the Tower of London,
have described as grass-roots democracy-
primarily to assure the "safety of the State"
may not arise for the redress of which no
May the 1st, 1649.
which do create an opportunity for greater
but to safeguard human dignity and the
legal provisions have been made. I mean to
X. That we do not empower or entrust
happiness and deeper experience, for free-
freedom of the individual.
Ibid.
say no such thing. But I do mean to say
ir said Representatives to continue in
dom, in the very course of technical prog-
that although bad laws, if they exist, should
ress.
rce, or to make any Lawes, Oathes, or
Far from forcing the surrender of
be repealed as soon as possible, still, while
individual freedom and the things of the
Abraham Lincoln
ovenants whereby to compell by penalties
(1809-1865)
they continue in force, for the sake of
otherwise any person to anything in or
spirit to the machine, the machine can be
example they should be religiously observed.
out matters of faith, Religion, or God's
made to promote those very ends.
16th President of the United States
Ibid.
orship, or to restrain any person from the
Democracy on the March, 1944.
ofession of his faith, or exercise his Re-
Upon the subject of education, not pre-
If we take habitual drunkards as a class,
I believe-and I conceive the Constitu-
suming to dictate, any plan or system re-
their heads and their hearts will bear an
(ion according to his Conscience, nothing
tion of the United States to rest, as does
specting it, I can only say that I view it as
ving caused more distractions, and heart
advantageous comparison with those of any
religion, upon the fundamental proposition
the most important subject which we, as a
other class. There seems ever to have been
urning, in all ages, than persecution and
of the integrity of the individual; and that
olestation for matters of Conscience in or
people, can be engaged in.
a proneness in the brilliant and warm-
all government and all private institutions
out Religion.
Ibid.
First public speech; to the people of
blooded to fall into this vice. The demon of
must be designed to promote and protect
Sangamon Co., March 9, 1832.
intemperance ever seems to have delighted
[420]
[421]
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
in sucking the blood of genius and gener-
dependence, and insisting that there is no
then the revolution which we will accom-
for them at least one hard nut to crack.
osity.
right principle of action but self-interest.
plish will be none the less radical from
Ibid.
Address, Washington Temperance So-
Reply to Senator Douglas, Peoria, Illi-
being the result of pacific measures. The
ciety, Springfield, February 22, 1842.
nois, October 16, 1854.
battle of freedom is to be fought out on
In the right to eat the bread
which
principle.
his own hand earns, he (the Negro) is my
There was, too, the strangest combina-
As labor is the common burden of our
Ibid.
equal and the equal of Judge Douglas, and
tion of church influence against me. Baker
race, so the effort of some to shift their
The ballot is stronger than the bullet.
the equal of any living man.
(his opponent in the Congressional race) is
share of the burden on to the shoulders of
1856.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate, August 2,
a Campbellite; and therefore, as I suppose,
others is the great durable curse of the race.
1858.
with few exceptions, got all that church.
Speech, c. July 1, 1854.
I think the authors of that notable in-
The fight must go on. The cause of civil
My wife has some relations in the Presby-
The Autocrat of all the Russias will re-
strument (Declaration of Independence) in-
liberty must not be surrendered at the end
terian churches, and some with the Episco-
sign his crown and proclaim his subjects
tended to include all men, but they did
of one or even one hundred defeats.
pal churches; and therefore, wherever it
free republicans sooner than will our Ameri-
not intend to declare all men equal in all
Letter to H. Asbury, November 19,
would tell, I was set down as either the one
can masters voluntarily give up their slaves.
respects. They did not mean to say all men
1858.
or the other, while it was everywhere con-
Letter, 1855, quoted in Higginson,
were equal in color, size, intellect, moral
tended that no Christian ought to go for
Contemporaries, 1889.
developments, or social capacity. They de-
We are now a mighty nation: we are
me, because I belonged to no church, was
fined with tolerable distinctness in what
thirty, or about thirty, millions of people.
suspected of being a deist, and had talked
I now do no more than oppose the exten-
respects they did consider all men created
We have, besides these men-de-
about fighting a duel.
sion of slavery. I am not a Know-nothing;
equal-equal with "certain unalienable
scended by blood from our ancestors-
Letter to Martin M. Morris, Spring-
that is certain. How could I be? How can
rights among which are life, liberty and
among us, perhaps half our people who are
field, March 26, 1843.
anyone who abhors the oppression of Ne-
the pursuit of happiness." This they said,
not descendants at all of these men; they
groes be in favor of degrading classes of
and this they meant. They did not mean
are men who have come from Europe-
Any people anywhere being inclined and
white people? Our progress in degeneracy
to assert the obvious untruth that all were
German, Irish, French, and Scandinavian,
having the power, have the right to rise up
appears to me to be pretty rapid. As a
then actually enjoying that equality, or yet
-men who have come from Europe them-
and shake off the existing government, and
nation, we began by declaring that all men
that they were about to confer it immedi-
selves, or whose ancestors have come hither
form a new one that suits them better. This
are created equal. We now practically read
ately upon them. In fact, they had no
and settled here, finding themselves our
is a most valuable, a most sacred right-a
it, all men are created equal except Negroes.
power to confer such a boon. They meant
equal in all things. If they look back
right which we hope and believe is to liber-
When the Know-nothings get control, it
simply to declare the right, so that en-
through this history, to trace their con-
ate the world.
will read, all men are created equal except
forcement of it might follow as fast as
nection with those days of blood, they find
Speech, House, in reply to President
Negroes and foreigners and Catholics.
circumstances should permit.
they have none; they cannot carry them-
Polk on Mexico, 1848.
When it comes to this I shall prefer emi-
Speech on Dred Scott decision, Spring-
selves back into that glorious epoch and
grating to some country where they make
field, June 26, 1857.
make themselves feel that they are part of
This declared indifference, but, as I must
no pretense of loving liberty-to Russia, for
us; but when they look through that old
think, real, covert zeal, for the spread of
instance, where despotism can be taken
The assertion that "all men are created
Declaration of Independence, they find that
slavery, I cannot but hate. I hate it be-
pure, and without the base alloy of hy-
equal" was of no practical use in effecting
those old men say that "we hold these
cause of the monstrous injustice of slavery
pocrisy.
our separation from Great Britain and it
truths to be self-evident, that all men are
itself. I hate it because it deprives our
Letter to Joshua F. Speed, August 24,
was placed in the Declaration not for that,
created equal," and then they feel that
republican example of its just influence in
1855.
but for future use. Its authors meant it to
that moral sentiment taught in that day
the world, enables the enemies of free in-
Be not deceived. Revolutions do not go
be-as thank God, it is now proving itself-
evidences their relation to those men, that
stitutions with plausibility to taunt us as
backward.
a stumbling-block to all those who in after
hypocrites, causes the real friends of free-
Speech, May 19, 1856.
it is the father of all moral principle in
times might seek to turn a free people
them, and that they have a right to claim
dom to doubt our sincerity, and espe-
We will make converts day by day; we
back into the hateful paths of despotism.
it as though they were blood of the blood,
cially because it forces so many good men
will grow strong by the violence and in-
They knew the proneness of prosperity to
and flesh of the flesh, of the men who wrote
amongst ourselves into an open war with
justice of our adversaries. And, unless truth
breed tyrants, and they meant when such
that Declaration; and so they are.
the very fundamental principles of civil
be a mockery and justice a hollow lie, we
should reappear in this fair land and com-
Reply to Douglas on Popular Sover-
liberty, criticizing the Declaration of In-
will be in the majority after a while, and
mence their vocation, they should find left
eignty, July 10, 1858.
[422]
[423]
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Wise statesmen as they were, they knew
may be turned against us without making us
According to this theory, a blind horse
makes right, and in that faith let us to
the tendency of posterity to breed tyrants;
weaker for the struggle.
upon a tread mill is a perfect illustration
the end dare to do our duty as we under-
and so they established these great self-
Our reliance is in the love of liberty
of what a laborer should be-all the better
stand it.
Ibid.
evident truths, that when in the distant
which God has planted in us. Our defense
for being blind-that he could not kick
future, some man, some faction, some in-
is in the spirit which primed liberty as the
understandingly.
The love of property and consciousness
terest, should set up the doctrine that none
heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere.
According to this theory, the education of
of right or wrong have conflicting places in
but rich men, or none but white men, or
Destroy this spirit and you have planted
labor is not only useless but pernicious
our organization, which often makes a man's
none but Anglo-Saxons, were entitled to
the seeds of despotism at your door. Fa-
and dangerous. In fact, it is, in some sort,
course seem crooked, his conduct a riddle.
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,
miliarize yourselves with the chains of
deemed a misfortune that laborers should
Hartford, Conn., March 5, 1860.
their posterity might look up again to the
bondage and you prepare your own limbs
have heads at all. These same heads are
Declaration of Independence, and take
to wear them.
Mr. Lincoln thanked God that we have
regarded as explosive material, only to be
courage to renew the battle which their
Accustomed to trample on the rights of
safely kept in damp places, as far as pos-
a system of labor where there can be a
fathers began.
others, you have lost the genius of your
sible from that peculiar sort of fire which
strike. Whatever the pressure, there is a
Campaign Speech, Senate race, 1858;
own independence and become the fit sub-
ignites them.
point where the workmen may stop. He
The Rail Splitter, October 10, 1860.
jects of the first cunning tyrant who rises
A Yankee who could invent a strong-
didn't pretend to be familiar with the sub-
among you.
handed man without a head would re-
ject of the shoe strike-probably knew as
Those arguments that are made, that the
Speech, Edwardsville, September 13,
ceive the everlasting gratitude of these
little about it as Senator Douglas himself.
inferior race are to be treated with as much
1858.
"Mudsill advocates."
Shall we stop making war upon the
allowance as they are capable of enjoying;
Address, Wisconsin Agricultural Soci-
South? We never have made war upon
that as much is to be done for them as their
I am for the people of the whole nation
ety, Milwaukee, September 30, 1859.
them. If any one has, he had better go and
condition will allow, what are these argu-
doing just as they please in all matters
hang himself and save Virginia the trouble.
ments? They are the arguments that kings
which concern the whole nation; for that
I am glad to see that a system of labor
If you give up your convictions and call
have made for enslaving the people in all
of each part doing just as they choose in
prevails in New England under which
slavery right, as they do, you let slavery
the ages of the world. You will find that all
all matters which concern no other part;
laborers can strike when they want to,
in upon you-instead of white laborers who
the arguments in favor of kingcraft were of
and for each individual doing just as he
where they are not obliged to work under
can strike, you'll soon have black laborers
this class; they always bestrode the necks
chooses in all matters which concern no-
all circumstances, and are not tied down
who can't strike.
of the people-not that they wanted to do
body else.
Speech, October 8, 1958.
and obliged to labor whether you pay them
Indirect quotation as reported in the
it, but because the people were better off
or not. I like the system which lets a man
press, March 6, 1860, of Hartford,
for being ridden. That is their argument;
The right of peaceable assembly and of
quit when he wants to, and wish it might
Conn., speech.
and this argument of the Judge (Douglas)
petition, and by Article Fifth of the Consti-
prevail everywhere.
tution, the right of amendment, is the con-
I do but quote from one of those speeches
is the same old serpent, that says, "You
Speech, New Haven, Conn., March 6,
work, and I eat; you toil, and I will enjoy
stitutional substitute for revolution. Here is
when I declare that "I have no purpose,
1860.
the fruits of it." Turn it whatever way you
our Magna Carta, not wrested by barons
directly or indirectly, to interfere with the
will,-whether it come from the mouth of
from King John, but the free gift of states
I do not mean to say we are bound to
institution of slavery in the States where it
to the nation they create.
follow implicitly in whatever our fathers
exists. I believe I have no lawful right to
a king, an excuse for enslaving the people
of his country, or from the mouth of men
To Alexander H. Stephens, January 19,
did. To do so, would be to discard all the
do so, and I have no inclination to do so."
of one race as a reason for enslaving the
1859.
lights of current experience-to reject all
Those who nominated and elected me did
progress, all improvement.
so with full knowledge that I had made this
men of another race,-it is all the same old
serpent.
Address, Cooper Institute, N. Y., Feb-
and many similar declarations, and had
Ibid.
No law is stronger than is the public
sentiment where it is to be enforced. Free
ruary 27, 1860.
never recanted them.
First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861.
What constitutes the bulwark of our own
speech and discussion, and immunity from
Neither let us be slandered from our
liberty and independence? It is not our
whip and tar and feathers, seem implied
duty by false accusations against us, nor
Why should there not be a patient con-
frowning battlements, our bristling sea
by the guarantee to each state of "a re-
publican form of government."
frightened from it by menaces of destruc-
fidence in the ultimate justice of the peo-
coasts, our army and our navy. These are
tion to the government, nor of dungeons
ple? Is there any equal hope in the world?
not our reliance against tyranny. All of these
Crittenden letter, December 22, 1859.
to ourselves. Let us have faith that right
Ibid.
[424]
[425]
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
I hold that, in contemplation of universal
The better angels of our nature. Ibid.
labor and capital, producing mutual bene-
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history.
law and of the Constitution, the Union of
fits. The error is in assuming that the whole
We of this Congress and this Administra-
these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is im-
It is now for them to demonstrate to the
labor of the community exists within that
tion will be remembered in spite of our-
plied, if not expressed, in the fundamental
world that those who can fairly carry an
relation. A few men own capital, and that
selves. No personal significance or insignifi-
law of all national governments. It is safe
election can also suppress a rebellion; that
few avoid labor themselves, and with their
cance can spare one or another of us. The
to assert that no government proper ever
ballots are the rightful and peaceful suc-
capital hire or buy another few to labor for
fiery trial through which we pass will light
had a provision in its organic law for its
cessors of bullets; and that when ballots
them. A large majority belong to neither
us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest
own termination.
Ibid.
have fairly and constitutionally decided,
class-neither work for others, nor have
generation.
there can be no successful appeal back to
others work for them.
Ibid.
Annual message to Congress, December
If by the mere force of numbers a ma-
bullets.
1, 1862.
jority should deprive a minority of any
First message to Congress, special ses-
No men living are more worthy to be
clearly written constitutional right, it might,
sion, July 4, 1861.
trusted than those who toil up from poverty,
I recommend the adoption of the fol-
in a moral point of view, justify revolution
none less inclined to take or touch aught
lowing.
The President of the United
-certainly would if such a right were a
It is not needed nor fitting here that a
which they have not honestly earned. Let
States shall deliver to every such State
vital one.
Ibid.
general argument should be made in favor
them beware of surrendering a political
bonds of the United States bearing interest
of popular institutions; but there is one
A majority held in restraint by constitu-
power which they already possess, and
at the rate of per cent per annum to an
point, with its connections, not so hack-
which, if surrendered, will surely be used
amount equal to the aggregate sum of
tional checks and limitations, and always
neyed as most others, to which I ask a
to close the door of advancement against
for each slave shown to have been therein by
changing easily with deliberate changes of
brief attention. It is the effort to place
such as they, and to fix new disabilities and
the Eighth census
Ibid.
popular opinions and sentiments, is the
capital on an equal footing with, if not
only true sovereign of a free people. Who-
burdens upon them, till all of liberty shall
above, labor, in the structure of govern-
be lost.
Ibid.
We, even we here, hold the power and
ever rejects it does, of necessity, fly to
ment. It is assumed that labor is available
bear the responsibility. In giving freedom
anarchy or to despotism. Unanimity is im-
only in connection with capital; that no-
to the slave, we assure freedom to the free,
possible; the rule of a minority, as a perma-
It is my earnest desire to know the will
body labors, unless somebody else, owning
of Providence in this matter. And if I can
--honorable alike in what we give and what
nent arrangement, is wholly inadmissible; so
capital, somehow, by the use of it, induces
that, rejecting the majority principle, an-
learn what it is, I will do it. These are not,
we preserve. We shall nobly save or meanly
him to labor.
however, the days of miracles, and I sup-
lose the last, best hope of earth. Ibid.
archy or despotism in some form is all that
Message to Congress, regular session,
is left.
Ibid.
pose it will be granted that I am not to
December 3, 1861.
receive a direct revelation.
And by virtue of the power and for the
purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare
This country, with its institutions, belongs
Reply to Chicago Committee of United
Now, there is no such relation between
that all persons held as slaves within said
to the people who inhabit it. Whenever
Religious Denominations, September
capital and labor as assumed, nor is there
designated states and parts of states are,
they shall grow weary of the existing Gov-
13, 1862.
any such thing as a free man being fixed
and henceforward shall be, free; and that
ernment, they can exercise their constitu-
for life in the condition of a hired laborer.
tional right of amending it, or their revolu-
I admit that slavery is at the root of the
the executive government of the United
Both these assumptions are false, and all
tionary right to dismember or overthrow it.
rebellion, or at least its sine qua non.
States, including the military and naval
inferences from them are groundless.
Ibid.
authorities thereof, will recognize and
I cannot be ignorant of the fact that many
Ibid.
maintain the freedom of said persons.
worthy and patriotic citizens are desirous
Emancipation Proclamation, January
of having the National Constitution amend-
Labor is prior to and independent of
o Carl Sandburg: "An extraordinary little
1, 1863.
ed. While I make no recommendation of
capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor,
treatise on what Lincoln considered the
amendments, I fully recognize the rightful
and could never have existed if labor had
basic point of the American economic and
Only those generals who gain successes
authority of the people over the whole sub-
not first existed. Labor is the superior of
political system as related to the common
can set up dictators. What I now ask of you
ject, to be exercised in either of the modes
capital, and man deserves much the higher
man.
This passage is a rough-hewn
is military success, and I will risk the dic-
prescribed in the instrument itself; and I
consideration. Capital has its rights, which
sketch of American society, placing the
tatorship.
should, under existing circumstances, favor
are as worthy of protection as any other
farmer and the free laborer as the living
Letter, January 26, 1863, to General
rather than oppose a fair opportunity being
rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and
and controlling element in a government
Hooker, who assailed Lincoln, said the
afforded the people to act upon it. Ibid.
probably always will be, a relation between
of the people."
country needed a dictator.
[426]
[427]
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln-Charles A. Lindbergh (Jr.)
I know the trials and woes of working
The shepherd drives the wolf from the
When a white man governs himself, that
first scientifically created one worked out
men, and I have always felt for them. I
sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks
is self government. But when he governs
as we figure a mathematical problem.
know that in almost every case of strikes,
the shepherd as his liberator, while the
himself and also governs some other men,
1920
the men have a just cause for complaint.
wolf denounces him for the same act as the
that is worse than self government-that is
To delegation from the Machinists'
destroyer of liberty, especially as the sheep
despotism. What I do mean to say is that
Charles A. Lindbergh (Jr.)
and Blacksmiths' Union, 1863.
was a black one. Plainly, the sheep and the
no man is good enough to govern another
(b. 1902)
Of those who were slaves at the begin-
wolf are not agreed upon a definition of
man without that other's consent.
American aviator
ning of the rebellion, fully one hundred
the word "liberty"; and precisely the same
Friends, I agree with you in Providence;
thousand are now in the United States mili-
difference prevails today, among us human
but I believe in the Providence of the most
Oriental guns are turning westward. Asia
tary service, about one-half of which num-
creatures, even in the North, and all pro-
men, the largest purse, and the longest can-
presses towards us on the Russian border,
ber actually bear arms in the ranks; thus
fessing to love liberty. Hence we behold
non.
all foreign races stir restlessly. It is time to
giving the double advantage of taking so
the process by which thousands are daily
turn from our quarrels and to build our
much labor from the insurgent cause and
passing from under the yoke of bondage
Public opinion is everything. With pub-
White ramparts again. The alliance with
supplying the places which otherwise must
hailed by some as the advance of liberty,
lic sentiment nothing can fail; without it,
foreign races means nothing but death for
be filled with so many white men. So far as
and bewailed by others as the destruction
nothing can succeed. Consequently, he who
us.
tested, it is difficult to say they are not as
of liberty.
Ibid.
moulds public opinion goes deeper than he
Aviation, Geography and Race. Also,
who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions.
good soldiers as any.
Whenever there is a conflict between hu-
Readers Digest, November, 1939.
Annual message to Congress, Decem-
man rights and property rights, human
Our government rests on public opinion.
ber 8, 1863.
It is our turn to guard our heritage from
rights must prevail.
Whoever can change public opinion can
Mongol, and Persian and Moor, before we
The strongest bond of human sympathy
Quoted in Congressional Record, May
change the government practically as such.
become engulfed in a limitless foreign sea.
outside the family relation should be one
12, 1944.
Public opinion, though often formed upon
Ibid.
uniting all working people of all nations
and tongues and kindreds.
My earlier views of the unsoundness of
a wrong basis, yet generally has a strong
underlying sense of justice.
The three most important groups which
Letter to New York Workingmen's As-
the Christian scheme of salvation and the
are pressing this country toward war are
sociation, 1864.
human origin of the scriptures, have become
the British, the Jewish and the Roosevelt
clearer and stronger with advancing years
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Administration.
The world has never had a good defini-
and I see no reason for thinking I shall ever
(b. 1906)
tion of the word "liberty", and the Ameri-
They planned, first to prepare the United
change them.
American writer
can people, just now, are much in want of
States for foreign war under the guise of
To Judge J. S. Wakefield, after the
one. We all declare for liberty; but in using
American defense; second, to involve us in
death of Willie Lincoln.
Somehow the leaders in Germany, Italy
the same word, we do not all mean the same
the war, step by step, without our realiza-
and Russia have discovered how to use new
thing. With some, the word "liberty" may
tion; third, to create a series of incidents
If I were to try to read, much less answer,
economic forces.
They have felt the
which would force us into the actual con-
mean for each man to do as he pleases with
all the attacks made on me, this shop might
wave of the future and they have leapt
flict.
himself and the product of his labor; while
as well be closed for any other business.
upon it.
with others, the same word may mean for
Only the creation of sufficient "incidents"
some men to do as they please with other
yet remains; and you see the first of these
I am a firm believer in the people. If
men and the product of other men's labor.
Charles A. Lindbergh (Sr.)
already taking place, according to plan-a
given the truth, they can be depended upon
Here are two, not only different, but in-
to meet any national crisis. The great point
(1859-1924)
plan that was never laid before the Ameri-
compatible things, called by the same name,
is to bring them the real facts.
can people for their approval.
American congressman
-liberty. And it follows that each of the
Address, Des Moines, September 11,
things is, by the respective parties, called
Politicians are a set of men who have in-
A radical is one who speaks the truth.
1941; A. P: dispatch in newspapers of
by two different and incompatible names,-
terests aside from the interests of the people
Labor, June 15, 1957.
September 12.
liberty and tyranny.
and who, to say the most of them, are,
Address, Sanitary Fair, Baltimore, April
taken as a mass, at least one step removed
Under the Federal Reserve Act panics are
Science, freedom, beauty, adventure:
18, 1864.
from honest men.
scientifically created: the present one is the
What more could you ask of life? Aviation
[428]
[429]
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt-Theodore Roosevelt
We
would rather die on our feet
and small, to trade in an atmosphere of
ever crises have developed which required
the eternal truths of the past are threat-
than live on our knees.
Ibid.
freedom from unfair competition and domi-
definite choice of direction.
ened by intolerance, we must provide a
nation by monopolies at home or abroad.
Introduction, Vol. 7, The Public Papers
safe place for their perpetuation.
We all know that books burn-yet we
The right of every family to a decent
and Addresses of Franklin D. Roose-
have the greater knowledge that books can-
home.
velt.
Theodore Roosevelt
not be killed by fire. People die, but books
The right to adequate medical care and
never die.
the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good
The liberal party-no matter what its par-
(1858-1919)
No man and no force can
put thought in a concentration camp for-
health.
ticular name was at the time-believed in
26th President of the United States
ever. No man and no force can take from
The right to adequate protection from
the wide wisdom and efficacy of the will
the world the books that embody men's
the economic fears of old age, sickness, ac-
of the great majority of the people, as dis-
That filthy little atheist
eternal fight against tyranny of every kind.
tinguished from the judgment of a small
Gouverneur Morris, 1888.
cident and unemployment.
In this war we know books are weap-
The right to a good education.
minority of either education or wealth.
Our country calls not for the life of ease,
ons. And it is a part of your dedication to
Ibid.
Message to Congress, January 11,
but for the life strennous endeavor. The
make them weapons for man's freedom.
1944.
The liberal party is a party which be-
twentieth century looms before us big with
Message to American Booksellers As-
lieves that, as new conditions and problems
the fate of many nations.
sociation, April 23, 1941, on the anni-
Clear it with Sidney.
arise beyond the power of men and women
Speech, The Strenuous Life, Chicago,
versary of the Nazi book-burning.
1899.
July 15-17, 1944, quoted by James F.
to meet as individuals, it becomes the duty
Byrnes, All in One Lifetime, Harper,
of the government itself to find new reme-
We shall not be able to claim that we
If we stand idly by, if we seek merely
1958.
dies with which to meet them.
Ibid.
have gained total victory in this war if
swollen, slothful ease, and ignoble peace,
if we shrink from the hard contests where
any vestige of Fascism in any of its malig-
I believe in free enterprise-and always
I have always believed, and I have fre-
men must win at hazard of their lives and
nant forms is permitted to survive anywhere
have. I believe in the profit system-and
quently stated, that my own party can suc-
at the risk of all they hold dear, then the
in the world.
always have.
ceed at the polls only so long as it continues
bolder and stronger peoples will pass us by
Message to Congress, September 17,
Speech, Chicago, October 28, 1944.
to be the party of militant liberalism. Ibid.
and will win for themselves the domination
1943.
of the world.
Ibid.
I believe now, as I have all my life, in
The basic proposition of the worth and
It (the war effort) must not be impeded
dignity of man is the strongest, the most
by those who put their own selfish interests
No man is justified in doing evil on the
the right of workers to join unions and to
creative force now present in the world.
above the interest of the nation.
ground of expedience.
Ibid.
protect their unions.
It must not be impeded by a few bogus
Radio address, May 2, 1943.
Quoted in "Army Talks," Vol. IV, No.
patriots who use the sacred freedom of the
It was my good fortune at Santiago to
24.
press to echo the sentiments of the propa-
serve beside colored troops. A man who is
We have accepted, so to speak, a second
bill of rights under which a new basis of
The system of party responsibility in
gandists in Tokyo and Berlin.
good enough to shed his blood for the coun-
America requires that one of its parties be
And above all, it shall not be imperiled
try is good enough to be given a square
security and prosperity can be established
by the handful of noisy traitors-betrayers
deal afterward. More than that no man is
for all, regardless of station, race or creed.
the liberal party and the other the con-
of America, betrayers of Christianity itself
entitled to, and less than that no man shall
Among these are:
servative party. This has been the division
-would-be dictators who in their hearts and
have.
The right to a useful and remunerative
by which the major parties in American
history have identified themselves when-
soul have yielded to Hitlerism and would
1903; quoted by Herman Hagedorn,
job in the industries or shops or farms or
have this republic do likewise.
N. Y. Times Magazine, October 27,
mines of the nation.
1957.
The right of every farmer to raise and sell
Arthur Krock reported July 25, 1944,
If the fires of freedom and civil liberties
If elected, I shall see to it that every
his products at a return which will give
Roosevelt saying "Clear everything with
burn low in other lands, they must be made
man has a square deal, no less and no more.
him and his family a decent living.
Sidney" (Hillman), regarding his choice of
brighter in our own. If in other lands the
Speech, November, 1904.
The right of every business man, large
a Vice-President in 1944. This was officially
press and books and literature of all kinds
denied. Hillman was head of the Political
are censored, we must redouble our efforts
A reference to Tom Paine, who was
o See Dolores Ibarruri (La Pasionaria).
Action Committee, C.I.O.
here to keep them free. If in other lands
neither filthy, nor little, nor an atheist.
[594]
[595]
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
Power invariably means both responsi-
stocks, but service rendered. The really big
Labor organizations are like other or-
A pacifist is as surely a traitor to his
bility and danger.
1905; Hagedorn.
fortune, the swollen fortune, by the mere
ganizations, like organizations of capitalists;
country and to humanity as is the most
fact of its size acquires qualities which
The men with the muckrakes are often
sometimes they act very well, and some-
brutal wrongdoer.
differentiate it in kind as well as in degree
indispensable to the well-being of society;
times they act very badly. We should con-
Speech, Pittsburgh, July 27, 1917.
from what is possessed by men of rela-
but only if they know when to stop raking
sistently favor them when they act well, and
tively small means. Therefore, I believe in
the muck.
as fearlessly oppose them when they act
A great democracy must be progressive
a graduated income tax on big fortunes, and
Address, Washington, April 14, 1906.
badly.
Ibid.
or it will soon cease to be a great democ-
in another tax which is far more easily
racy.
Every time they (judges) interpret con-
collected and far more effective-a gradu-
I wish to see labor organizations power-
tract, property, vested right
they
ated inheritance tax on big fortunes, prop-
ful; and the minute any organization be-
T. Roosevelt quotation used by F. D.
nec-
essarily enact into laws parts of a system
erly safeguarded against evasion and in-
comes powerful it becomes powerful for
Roosevelt at the dedication of the
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial.
of social philosophy.
The decisions of
creasing rapidly in amount with the size of
evil as well as for good; and when or-
the estate.
the courts on economic and social questions
Ibid.
ganized labor becomes sufficiently power-
ful the state will have to regulate the col-
The relations of capital and labor, and
depend on their economic and social phi-
Nothing is more true than that excess of
losophy.
lective use of labor just as it must regulate
especially of organized capital and organ-
every kind is followed by reaction; a fact
the collective use of capital.
Ibid.
ized labor, to each other and to the public
Message to Congress, December 8,
which should be pondered by reformer and
at large, come second in importance only to
1908.
reactionary alike. We are face to face with
I took the canal zone and let Congress
the intimate questions of family life.
new conceptions of the relations of property
debate, and while the debate goes on the
Ibid.
Americanism is a question of principle,
to human welfare, chiefly because certain
canal does also.
of purpose, of Idealism, of Character; it is
advocates of the rights of property as
Speech, Berkeley, Calif., March 23,
The corporation has come to stay, just
not a matter of birthplace or creed or line
against the rights of men have been push-
1911.
as the trade union has come to stay. Each
of descent.
ing their claims too far. The man who
can do and has done great good. Each
Address, Washington, D. C., 1909.
wrongly holds that every human right is
My hat's in the ring. The fight is on and
should be favored as long as it does good,
secondary to his profit must now give way
I'm stripped to the buff.
1912.
The true friend of property, the true con-
but each should be sharply checked where
servative, is he who insists that property
to the advocate of human welfare, who
It is essential that there should be or-
it acts against law and justice.
Ibid.
shall be the servant and not the master of
rightly maintains that every man holds his
ganizations of labor. This is an era of or-
the commonwealth; who insists that the
property subject to the general right of the
ganization. Capital organizes and therefore
If I were a factory employee, a working
creature of man's making shall be the
community to regulate its use to whatever
labor must organize.
man on the railroads, or a wage earner of
servant and not the master of the man who
degree the public welfare may require it.
Speech, Milwaukee, October 14, 1912.
any sort, I would undoubtedly join the
made it. The citizens of the United States
Ibid.
union of my trade. If I disapproved of its
must effectively control the mighty com-
I believe in shaping the ends of govern-
Every reform movement has a lunatic
policy, I would join in order to fight that
mercial forces which they have themselves
ment to protect property as well as human
fringe.
Autobiography, 1913.
policy; if the union leaders were dishonest,
called into being.
welfare. Normally, and in the long run, the
I would join in order to put them out. I
There is no room in this country for
The New Nationalism, 1910.
believe in the union and I believe that all
ends are the same; but whenever the alter-
hy phenated Americanism
1915.
men who are benefitted by the union are
native must be faced, I am for men and
There can be no effective control of cor-
not for property.
morally bound to help to the extent of their
Ibid.
Everything is un-American that tends
porations while their political activity re-
powers in the common interests advanced
either to government by a plutocracy or
mains. To put an end to it will be neither
I am far from underestimating the im-
by the union.
government by a mob. 1917; Hagedorn.
a short nor an easy task, but it can be done.
portance of dividends; but I rank dividends
Ibid.
below human character.
Ibid.
To divide along the lines of section or
I want to see you shoot the way you
No man should receive a dollar unless
caste or creed is un-American.
Ibid.
shout.
Power undirected by high purpose spells
that dollar has been fairly earned. Every
calamity; and high purpose by itself is
All privileges based on wealth, and all
If I were asked to name the three influ-
dollar received should represent a dollar's
utterly useless if the power to put it into
enmity to honest men merely because they
ences which I thought were most danger-
worth of service rendered-not gambling in
effect is lacking.
1911; Hagedorn.
are wealthy, are un-American.
Ibid.
ous to the perpetuity of American institu-
[596]
[597]
Theodore Roosevelt-Alfred Rosenberg
Alfred Rosenberg-Jean Jacques Rousseau
tions, I should name corruption, in business
Alfred Rosenberg
and politics alike; lawless violence; and
established by the victorious sword of a But Man is Man, and who is More?
mendacity, especially used in connection
(1893-1946)
master-race that takes over the world.
Ibid.
with slander.
Nazi politician, editor
Edward Alsworth Ross
O Liberty! can man resign thee,
We Americans are children of the cru-
The racial interpretation of history is an
Once having felt thy generous flame?
insight which will soon become self-evident.
(b. 1866)
cible.
Can dungeons' holds and bars confine thee,
Der Mythus der 20. Jahrhunderts,
American sociologist
Or whips thy noble spirit tame? Ibid.
The more we condemn unadulterated
translated by Franklin Le Van Baumer.
Marxian Socialism, the stouter should be
Main Currents of Western Thought,
There is one deadly, damning count
Too long the world has wept bewailing,
our insistence on thorough-going social re-
1952.
against the daily newspaper as it is coming
That Falsehood's dagger tyrants wield;
forms.
to be; namely, it doesn't give the news.
But Freedom is our sword and shield,
Today there awakens a new faith: the
And all their arts are unavailing! Ibid.
The religion a hierarchy ladles out to
I am in every fiber of my body a radical.
myth of blood, the belief that to defend
blood is to defend the divine nature of
its dupes is chloroform.
Jean Jacques Rousseau
In no other country was such power held
man: the faith, embodied in clearest knowl-
(1712-1778)
by the men who had gained these fortunes,
edge, that the nordic blood represents that
Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
The
mystery which has replaced and overcome
French writer, philosopher
the mighty industrial overlords.
(1760-1836)
Government was practically impotent.
the old sacraments.
Ibid.
French army officer
General and abstract ideas are the source
Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive
Germanic Europe presented the world
of the greatest errors of mankind.
and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere
wealth. Quoted in The Saturday Review.
with the brightest ideal of manhood: the
Allons, enfants de la Patrie
Emile.
teaching of the value of character as the
Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
foundation of all morality, the paean of
Contre nous de la tyrannie
With children use force, with men rea-
I believe in power; but I believe that
praise to the highest value of the nordic
L'étendard sanglant est levé
son; such is the natural order of things. The
responsibility should go with power.
nature, to the idea of freedom of con-
La Marseillaise, 1792.
wise man requires no law.
Ibid.
Time, March 3, 1958 (100th anni-
science and honor.
Ibid.
versary).
Ye sons of freedom, wake to glory!
I believe, therefore, that the world is
The Negro problem in the United States
Hark! hark! what myriads bid you rise!
governed by a wise and powerful Will.
Americanism means the virtues of cour-
is vital to the country's future existence. If
Your children, wives and grandsires hoary,
Ibid.
age, honor, justice, truth, sincerity and
means are not taken to suppress the Ne-
Behold their tears and hear their cries
hardihood-the virtues that made America.
Liberty is not to be found in any form
groes
they, in their capacity as Bol-
The things that will destroy America are
Aux armes, citoyens,
of government; she is in the heart of the
shevik combatants, will prepare the doom
prosperity-at-any- price, pease-at-any-price,
of white America.
Formez vos bataillons!
free man; he bears her with him every-
Ibid.
safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of
Marchons! marchons! Qu'un sang impur
where. The vile man bears his slavery by
soft living and the get-rich-quick theory of
The idea of National Socialism is an
Abreuve nos sillons. (Chorus)
himself; the one would be a slave in
life.
Geneva, the other free in Paris.
Ibid.
accomplishment of the human soul that
ranks with the Parthenon, the Sistine Ma-
To arms! to arms! ye brave!
Ibid., quoted by Adler, The Idea of
donna, and the Ninth Symphony of Bee-
The avenging sword unsheathe!
Freedom.
Elihu Root
thoven.
March on! march on! all hearts resolved
(1845-1937)
Quoted by John Gunther. The Nation,
On victory or death!
Supreme happiness consists in self-con-
American lawyer, statesman
February 6, 1935.
tent; that we may gain this self-content we
With luxury and pride surrounded,
are placed upon this earth and endowed
Never forget that men who labor cast
The vile, insatiate despots dare,
A new peace shall make Germany master
with freedom, we are tempted by our pas-
the votes, set up and pull down govern-
Their thirst for gold and power unbounded,
of the globe, a peace not hanging on the
sions and restrained by conscience. What
ments.
To mete and vend the light and air.
palm fronds of pacifist womenfolk, but
more could divine power itself have done in
Ibid.
our behalf?
Ibid.
[598]
[599]
Josiah Warren-George Washington
George Washington
or action, is a fundamental error in human
I have learned that success is to be meas-
Our conflict is not likely to cease so soon
to continue himself one moment in office,
legislation-a madness which would be only
ured not so much by the position that one
as every good man would wish. The measure
much less perpetuate himself in it. Under
equalled by requiring all to possess the same
has reached in life as by the obstacles which
of iniquity is not yet filled
Speculation,
an extended view of part of this subject, I
countenance, the same voice or the same
he has overcome while trying to succeed.
production, engrossing, forestalling
af-
can see no proprietry in precluding our-
stature.
Ibid.
Up from Slavery.
fording too many melancholy proofs of the
selves from the service of any man, who,
decay of public virtue
and too glaring
There are two ways of exerting one's
in some great emergency, shall be deemed
The disconnection of Church and State
instances of its being the interest and desire
was a master stroke for freedom and har-
strength: one is pushing down, the other is
universally most capable of serving the pub-
of too many who would wish to be thought
lic.
mony. The great moving power, the very
pulling up.
friends, to prolong the war.
soul of the Protestant Reformation, was that
Quoted by Basil Matthews, Booker T.
Letter to Lafayette, April 28, 1788;
Letter to a friend, March 31, 1779.
Washington.
quoted by Senator Wright Patman, May
it left every one free to interpret the Scrip-
tures according to his own Individual views.
Is the paltry consideration of a little dirty
15, 1944, Congressional Record, in de-
Ibid.
You can't hold a man down without stay-
pelf to individuals to be placed in competi-
fense of a fourth term.
ing down with him.
tion keeping with the essential rights and
Children are principally the creatures of
N. Y. Times Magazine, February 20,
The administration of justice is the firmest
liberties of the present generation, and of
example-whatever surrounding adults do,
1955.
pillar of government.
millions yet unborn?
they will do. If we strike them, they will
I shall never permit myself to stoop so
Shall a few designing men for their own
Letter to Randolph, 1789.
strike each other. If they see us attempting
to govern each other they will imitate the
low as to hate any man.
aggrandizement, and to gratify their own
The liberty enjoyed by the people of these
avarice, overset the goodly fabric we have
States of worshipping Almighty God, agree-
same barbarism. If we habitually admit the
been rearing at the expense of so much time,
ably to their consciences, is not only among
right of sovereignty in each other and in
George Washington
blood and treasure? And shall we at last be-
the choicest of their blessings, but also of
them, they will become equally respectful
(1732-1799)
come the victims of our own abominable lust
their rights.
Message to Quakers, 1789.
of our rights and of each other's. All these
for gain?
1st President of the United States
Ibid.
propositions are probably self-evident, yet
As mankind becomes more liberal, they
not one of them is practicable under the
Our cause is noble, it is the cause of man-
The matter I allude to is the exorbitant
will be more able to allow that those who
present mixture of the interests and responsi-
kind! And the danger to it is to be appre-
price exacted by the merchants and vendors
conduct themselves as worthy members of
bilities between adults and between parents
hended from ourselves.
Ibid.
of goods for every necessary they dispose
the community are equally entitled to the
and children. To solve the problem of edu-
of. I am sensible the trouble and risk in im-
cation, children must be surrounded with
I wish the Constitution, which is offered,
protection of civil government. I hope ever
porting give the adventurers a right to a
to see America among the foremost nations
equity and must be equitably treated, and
had been made more perfect; but I sincerely
generous price, and that such, from the mo-
believe it is the best that could be obtained
in examples of justice and liberality.
each and every one, parent or child, must be
tives of policy, should be paid; but yet I
understood to be an individual, and must
at this time. And, as a constitutional door is
Message to Catholics, 1789.
cannot conceive that they, in direct viola-
have his or her individual rights equitably
opened for amendment hereafter, the adop-
The Citizens of the United States of Amer-
tion of every principle of generosity, of rea-
respected.
Ibid.
tion of it, under the present circumstances of
ica have a right to applaud themselves for
son and of justice, should be allowed, if it
the Union, is in my opinion desirable.
having given to mankind examples of an
is possible to restrain 'em, to avail them-
Letter to Patrick Henry, from Mount
Booker T. Washington
selves of the difficulties of the times, and to
enlarged and liberal policy-a policy worthy
Vernon, September 24, 1787.
of imitation. All possess alike liberty of con-
(1856-1915)
amass fortunes upon the public ruin.
science and immunities of citizenship. It is
American Negro leader
Letter to the President of Congress,
As for instance on the ineligibility of the
now no more that toleration is spoken of, as
from Neshamini Camp, August 16,
same person for President, after he should
if it was by the indulgence of one class of
I beg of you to remember that wherever
1777.
have served a certain course of years, I con-
people that another enjoyed the exercise of
our life touches yours we help or hinder
fess I differ widely myself from Mr. Jefferson
their inherent natural rights. For happily
wherever your life touches ours, you
It is a maxim founded on the universal ex-
and you as to the necessity or expedience of
the government of the United States, which
make us stronger or weaker
There is no
perience of mankind that no nation is to be
rotation in that appointment. There cannot,
gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution
escape-man drags man down, or man lifts
trusted farther than it is bound by its in-
in my opinion, be the least danger that the
no assistance, requires only that they who
man up. The American Standard, 1896.
terest. Letter to Henry Laurens, 1778.
President will, by any intrigue, ever be able
live under its protection should demean
[724]
[725]
George Washington
George Washington-Sidney Webb
themselves as good citizens in giving it on
The nation, which indulges towards an-
Europe has a set of primary interests,
all occasions their effectual support.
other an habitual hatred, or an habitual fond-
which to us have none, or a very remote
Government is not reason, it is not elo-
To the Jewish Congregation, New Port,
ness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave
relation. Hence she must be engaged in
quence-it is force! Like fire it is a dangerous
Rhode Island, August, 1790.
to its animosity or to its affection, either of
frequent controversies, the causes of which
servant and a fearful master; never for a
May the children of the Stock of Abraham,
which is sufficient to lead it astray from its
are essentially foreign to our concerns.
moment should it be left to irresponsible
Ibid.
action.
who dwell in this land, continue to merit
duty and its interest.
Hence therefore it must be unwise in us to
and enjoy the good will of the other inhabi-
The great rule of conduct for us, in regard
implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the
If to please the people, we offer what we
tants, while every one shall sit in safety
to foreign nations is, in extending our com-
ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the
ourselves disapprove, how can we afterward
under his own vine and fig-tree, and there
mercial relations to have with them as little
ordinary combinations and collisions of her
defend our work? Let us raise a standard to
shall be none to make them afraid. Ibid.
political connection as possible.
Ibid.
friendships, or enmities.
Ibid.
which the wise and honest can repair. The
Of all the animosities which have existed
event is in the hands of God.
It is our true policy to steer clear of per-
There can be no greater error than to
among mankind, those which are caused by
manent alliances, with any portion of the
expect, or calculate upon real favors from
a difference of sentiments in religion appear
foreign world.
Ibid.
nation to nation. It is an illusion which ex-
Robert W. Seton-Watson
to be the most inveterate and distressing,
perience must cure, which a just pride
See Seton-Watson
and ought most to be deprecated. I was in
It is folly in one nation to look for dis-
ought to discard.
hopes that the enlightened and liberal pol-
interested favors from another.
Ibid.
Ibid.
icy, which has marked the present age, would
Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a
John B(roadus) Watson
Guard against the impostures of pretended
at least have reconciled Christians of every
plant of rapid growth. Moral Maxims.
(1878-1958)
patriotism.
Ibid.
denomination so far that we should never
again see their religious disputes carried to
The basis of our political systems is the
Few men have virtue to withstand the
Founder, behaviorist school of
highest bidder.
psychology
such a pitch as to endanger the peace of
right of the people to make and to alter their
Ibid.
society.
constitutions of government.
Ibid.
Behaviorism.
To persevere in one's duty and be silent
Letter to Edward Newenham, Octo-
All obstructions to the execution of the
is the best answer to calumny.
Ibid.
Psychology as the Behaviorist Views
ber 20, 1792.
It, 1913.
laws, all combinations and associations under
It is substantially true, that virtue or moral-
whatever plausible character, with the real
Arbitrary power is most easily established
ity is a necessary spring of popular govern-
on the ruins of liberty abused to licentious-
design to direct, control, counteract, or awe
Sidney Webb (Lord Passfield)
ness.
ment. The rule indeed extends with more or
the regular deliberations and action of the
(1859-1947)
less force to every species of free govern-
constituted authorities, are destructive of this
Rather than quarrel about territory let the
English socialist leader, writer
ment. Who that is a sincere friend to it, can
fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency.
poor, the needy and oppressed of the Earth,
look with indifference upon attempts to shake
Ibid.
and those who want Land, resort to the fer-
The main stream which has borne Euro-
the foundation of the fabric.
Promote then as an object of primary im-
I never mean, unless some particular cir-
tile plains of our western country, the sec-
pean society towards Socialism during the
cumstance should compel me to do it, to pos-
ond Promise, and there dwell in peace,
past 100 years is the irresistible progress of
portance, institutions for the general dif-
fulfilling the first and great commandment.
Democracy.
fusion of knowledge. In proportion as the
sess another slave by purchase, it being
Fabian Essays in Socialism, copyright
structure of a government gives force to
among my first wishes to see some plan
Overgrown military establishments are
by G. B. Shaw, 1931.
public opinion, it is essential that public
adopted by which slavery in this country
under any form of government inauspicious
opinion be enlightened.
may be abolished by law.
Ibid.
to liberty, and are to be regarded as par-
The inevitable outcome of Democracy is
Farewell Address to the People of the
Against the insidious wiles of foreign
ticularly hostile to republican liberty.
the control by the people themselves, not
United States, September, 1796.°
influence, (I conjure you to believe me
only of their own political organization, but,
My first wish is to see this plague of man-
This address was never delivered; it was
fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free peo-
through that, also of the main instruments
kind, war, banished from the earth.
ple ought to be constantly awake; since
of wealth production; the gradual substitu-
published in Claypole's Daily Advertiser.
The general ideas were Washington's, but
history and experience prove that foreign
Some day, taking its pattern from the
tion of organized cooperation for the anarchy
Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton, notably
influence is one of the most baneful foes
United States, there will be founded a United
of the competitive struggle.
The eco-
Hamilton, were said to have written parts.
of republican government.
Ibid.
States of Europe.
nomic side of the democratic ideal is, in fact,
Socialism itself.
Ibid.
[726]
[727]
in
Jefferson
389
1
Still one thing more, fellow citizens- a
8
I agree with you that there is a natural
wise and frugal government, which shall re-
aristocracy among men. The grounds of this
strain men from injuring one another, which
are virtue and talents.
1r
shall leave them otherwise free to regulate
Letter to John Adams [October
e,
their own pursuits of industry and improve-
28, 1813]
ig
ment, and shall not take from the mouth of
9
labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum
Merchants have no country. The mere spot
of good government, and this is necessary to
they stand on does not constitute so strong an
close the circle of our felicities.
Ib.
attachment as that from which they draw
their gains.
2 Equal and exact justice to all men, of what-
Letter to Horatio G. Spafford
ever state or persuasion, religious or politi-
[March 17, 1814]
cal; peace, commerce, and honest friendship
st-
10
with all nations, entangling alliances with
I cannot live without books.
ut
none.
Freedom of religion; freedom of
Letter to John Adams [June 10,
the press, and freedom of person under the
1815]
lel
protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by
11 If a nation expects to be ignorant and free,
juries impartially selected. These principles
in a state of civilization, it expects what never
n-
form the bright constellation which has gone
was and never will be.
id
before us, and guided our steps through an
Letter to Colonel Charles Yancey
age of revolution and reformation. The wis-
[January 6, 1816]
3,
dom of our sages and the blood of our heroes
have been devoted to their attainment. They
12
7]
Enlighten the people generally, and tyr-
should be the creed of our political faith, the
anny and oppressions of body and mind will
e,
text of civil instruction, the touchstone by
vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.
ye
which we try the services of those we trust;
Letter to Du Pont de Nemours
ct.
and should we wander from them in mo-
[April 24, 1816]
21,
ments of error or alarm, let us hasten to re-
13 I have the consolation to reflect that during
trace our steps and to regain the road which
al
the period of my administration not a drop of
alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety.
the blood of a single fellow citizen was shed
er
Ib.
by the sword of war or of the law.
3 Whensoever hostile aggressions
re-
Letter to papal nuncio Count
0]
quire a resort to war, we must meet our duty
Dugnani [February 14, 1818]
and convince the world that we are just
14 But this momentous question [the Mis-
friends and brave enemies.
Id
souri Compromise], like a firebell in the night
Letter to Andrew Jackson
awakened and filled me with terror. I consid-
ed
[December 3, 1806]
ered it the knell of the Union.
or
4 The care of human life and happiness, and
Letter to John Holmes [April 22,
is
not their destruction, is the first and only
Julf who knew"
1820]
legitimate object of good government.¹
15
I know no safe depository of the ultimate
To the Republican Citizens of
powers of the society but the people them-
Washington County, Maryland
selves; and if we think them not enlightened
[March 31, 1809]
enough to exercise their control with a whole-
5
Politics, like religion, hold up the torches of
some discretion, the remedy is not to take it
d
martyrdom to the reformers of error.
from them, but to inform their discretion.
at
Letter to William Charles Jarvis
Letter to James Ogilvie [August
y
f?
4, 1811]
[September 28, 1820]
b.
16 We are not afraid to follow truth wherever
6
But though an old man, I am but a young
be
-
gardener.
it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long
as reason is left free to combat it.
in
Letter to Charles Wilson Peale
Letter to William Roscoe
of
[August 20, 1811]
[December 27, 1820]
ns
7 The earth belongs to the living, not to the
er
dead.
17 That one hundred and fifty lawyers should
b.
do business together ought not to be ex-
Letter to John W. Eppes [June 24,
pected.
1813]
Autobiography [January 6, 1821],
¹See George Mason, 367:5.
on the United States Congress
39°
Jefferson - Junius
Jun
1
And even should the cloud of barbarism
8
If, by the term elements, we mean to ex-
1
Th
and despotism again obscure the science and
press the simple and indivisible molecules
at wh
libraries of Europe, this country remains to
that compose bodies, it is probable that we
decei
preserve and restore light and liberty to
know nothing about them; but if, on the con-
misle
them. In short, the flames kindled on the
trary, we express by the term elements or
fourth of July, 1776, have spread over too
principles of bodies the idea of the last point
Prescient
much of the globe to be extinguished by the
reached by analysis, all substances that we
feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary,
have not yet been able to decompose by any
2
Ib.
Th
they will consume these engines and all who
means are elements to us.⁴
page
work them.
pocri
Letter to John Adams [September
12, 1821]
William Paley
3
Th
2
Men by their constitutions are naturally
1743-1805
well
divided into two parties: (1) Those who fear
9
Who can refute a sneer?
conv
and distrust the people, and wish to draw all
Moral Philosophy [1785], vol. II,
powers from them into the hands of the
bk. V, ch. 9
4
Th
higher classes. (2) Those who identify them-
an in
selves with the people, have confidence in
in th
them, cherish and consider them as the most
The Letters of Junius⁵
and
honest and safe, although not the most wise
1769-1771
ous
depository of the public interests. In every
country these two parties exist; and in every
10
One precedent creates another. They soon
whet
accumulate and constitute law. What yester-
derst
one where they are free to think, speak, and
day was fact, today is doctrine.
cute.
write, they will declare themselves.
Letter to Henry Lee [August 10,
Dedication to the English Nation
1824]
11
The liberty of the press is the palladium of
3
Never buy what you do not want, because
all the civil, political, and religious rights of
5
W
it is cheap; it will be dear to you.
an Englishman.
Ib.
do no
A Decalogue of Canons for Obser-
reno
vation in Practical Life [February
12
I believe there is yet a spirit of resistance
21, 1825]
in this country, which will not submit to be
oppressed; but I am sure there is a fund of
4
When angry, count ten before you speak; if
good sense in this country, which cannot be
very angry, an hundred. 1
Ib.
6
Th
deceived.
5
The good old Dominion, the blessed mother
No. 16, to the Printer of the Public
time
of us all.
Thoughts on Lotteries [1826]
Advertiser (H. S. Woodfall) [July
aları
6
19, 1769]
ciple
This the Fourth?
Last words [July 4, 1826]²
13
We owe it to our ancestors to preserve en-
7
Ar
tire those rights, which they have delivered
peal:
Antoine Laurent Lavoisier
to our care: we owe it to our posterity, not to
confi
suffer their dearest inheritance to be de-
scier
1743-1794
stroyed.
of ar
7
It is impossible to dissociate language from
No. 20, to the Printer of the Public
not
science or science from language, because
Advertiser [August 8, 1769]
by tl
every natural science always involves three
things: the sequence of phenomena on which
14
When the constitution is openly invaded,
8
If
the science is based; the abstract concepts
when the first original right of the people,
which call these phenomena to mind; and the
from which all laws derive their authority, is
may
words in which the concepts are expressed.
directly attacked, inferior grievances natu-
To call forth a concept a word is needed; to
rally lose their force, and are suffered to pass
portray a phenomenon, a concept is needed.
by without punishment or observation.
9
All three mirror one and the same reality.³
Th
No. 30, to the Printer of the Public
Traité Elémentaire de Chimie
Advertiser [October 17, 1769]
to ri
[1789]
⁴Translated by D. MCKIE.
¹Th
⁵Pseudonym of the author of a series of letters [1769-
freed
¹See Mark Twain, 624:20.
²John Adams died the same day. See his last words,
1771] in the London Public Advertiser (published in book
sediti
382:5.
form, 1772). They have been attributed to, among others,
of pri
³Translated by J. LIPETZ, D. E. GERSHENSON, and D.A.
Sir Philip Francis, Lord Shelburne, Lord George Sack-
Wood
GREENBERG.
ville, and Lord Temple.
²Se
³Se
388
Jefferson
since the introduction of Christianity, have
9
We are not to expect to be translated from
been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned; yet
despotism to liberty in a featherbed.
we have not advanced one inch towards uni-
Letter to Lafayette [April 2, 1790]
formity. What has been the effect of coercion?
10
Let what will be said or done, preserve your
To make one half the world fools, and the
sang-froid immovably, and to every obstacle,
other half hypocrites.
Ib.
oppose patience, perseverance, and soothing
1
Indeed, I tremble for my country when I
language.
reflect that God is just.
Ib. 18
Letter to William Short [March
2
Those who labor in the earth are the cho-
18, 1792]
sen people of God, if ever he had a chosen
11
Delay
to
error.
people, whose breasts He has made His pecu-
Letter to George Washington
liar deposit for substantial and genuine vir-
[May 16, 1792]
tue.
Ib. I9
12
We confide in our strength, without boast-
3
He who permits himself to tell a lie once,
ing of it; we respect that of others, without
finds it much easier to do it a second and third
fearing it.
time, till at length it becomes habitual; he
Letter to William Carmichael
tells lies without attending to it, and truths
and William Short [1793]
without the world's believing him. This false-
13
The second office of the overnment is hon-
hood of the tongue leads to that of the heart,
orable and easy, the first is but a splendid
and in time depraves all its good disposi-
misery
tions.
Letter to Elbridge Gerry [May 13,
Letter to Peter Carr [August 19,
1797]
1785]
14
Offices are as acceptable here as elsewhere,
4
The basis of our government being the
and whenever a man has cast a longing eye
opinion of the people, the very first object
on them, a rottenness begins in his conduct.
should be to keep that right; and were it left
Letter to Tench Coxe [May 21,
to me to decide whether we should have a
1799]
government without newspapers, or newspa-
15
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal
pers without a government, I should not hesi-
hostility against every form of tyranny over
tate a moment to prefer the latter.
the mind of man.
Letter to Colonel Edward Carring-
Letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush
ton [January 16, 1787]
[September 23, 1800]
5
Experience declares that man is the only
16
We are all Republicans-we are all Feder-
animal which devours his own kind; for I can
alists. If there be any among us who would
apply no milder term to the governments of
wish to dissolve this Union or to change its
Europe, and to the general prey of the rich on
republican form, let them stand undisturbed
the poor.
Ib.
as monuments of the safety with which error
I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and
of opinion may be tolerated where reason is
6
left free to combat it. 3
then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the
political world as storms in the physical.
First Inaugural Address [March
Letter to James Madison
4, 1801]
[January 30, 1787]
17
But would the honest patriot, in the full
tide of successful experiment, abandon a gov-
7
What country before ever existed a century
and a half without a rebellion?
ernment which has so far kept us free and
The tree
firm, on the theoretic and visionary fear that
of liberty must be refreshed from time to time
this government, the world's best hope, may
with the blood of patriots and tyrants. 1 It is
its natural manure.
by possibility want energy to preserve itself?
Ib.
Letter to William Stevens Smith
[November 13, 1787]
18 Sometimes it is said that man cannot be
trusted with the government of himself. Can
8
The republican is the only form of govern-
he, then, be trusted with the government of
ment which is not eternally at open or secret
others? Or have we found angels in the forms
war with the rights of mankind.
of kings to govern him? Let history answer
Letter to William Hunter [March
this question.
Ib.
II, 1790]
2See John Adams, 381:16.
¹See Tertullian, 126:3, and Barère, 401:4.
³See Milton, 282:5, and Holmes, 645:1.
ONE
George Washington
1789-97
Nineteenth-century Americans apotheosized George Washington
(1732-99); many people regarded him as little short of divine. Mason
Locke ("Parson") Weems, Washington's first biographer, called him
a demigod and insisted that he possessed all the virtues. "It is hardly
an exaggeration," wrote Weems in 1800, "to say that Washington
was pious as Numa; just as Aristides; temperate as Epictetus; patriotic
as Regulus; in giving public trusts, impartial as Severus; in victory,
modest as Scipio; prudent as Fabius; rapid as Marcellus; undaunted
as Hannibal; as Cincinnatus disinterested; to liberty firm as Cato;
as respectful of the laws as Socrates."1 In February 1832, during
the centennial celebration of Washington's birthday, John Quincy
Adams heard a sermon which, he thought, "exalted the character
of Washington perhaps too much. There were close approaches to
the expression of the belief that there was something supernatural
in his existence. There seemed little wanting to bring out a theory
that he was a second Savior of mankind. That he had a charmed
life, and was protected by a special Providence, was explicitly avowed
as a belief."2
When William Thackeray used Washington as a character in The
Virginians (1857-59), many Americans were horrified. "Mr. Thack-
eray," said one critic, "should never have ventured upon bringing
Washington into his story further than to permit him to cross the
stage and be seen no more."3 Another critic was appalled that Thack-
4
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
5
eray had portrayed Washington "like other men" in his novel. "Why,
Morris said ruefully: "I have won the bet, but paid dearly for it,
this is the essence of falsehood," he exclaimed. "Washington was
and nothing could induce me to repeat it!"? It is not surprising
not like other men; and to bring his lofty character down to the
that when Chief Justice John Marshall, no sentimental filiopietist
level of the vulgar passions of common life, is to give the lie to
like Parson Weems, came to write a serious biography of the Father
the grandest chapter in the uninspired annals of the human race."4
of His Country, it turned out to be "a Mausoleum," as John Adams
Horatió Greenough's huge marble statue of Washington, presenting
put it, "100 feet square at the base, and 200 feet high." No wonder
him as an old Roman, stripped to his waist, with a toga draped
Gertrude Stein said: "She is very sleepy. George Washington."8
over his knees, balancing a sword, and sitting on a Roman chair,
Washington was dignified enough, and certainly worthy of the
raised an even greater storm than Thackeray's novel when it was
highest respect. As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
unveiled in the Capitol Rotunda in 1841. "Our people," said architect
during the American Revolution, he performed heroically to over-
Charles Bulfinch, "will hardly be satisfied with looking on well-devel-
come heartbreaking difficulties in furtherance of the American cause;
oped muscles when they wish to see the great man as their imagination
he was probably indispensable to the winning of American indepen-
has painted him. I fear that this [statue] will only give the idea of
dence from Britain in 1783. His stern refusal to seize power in the
entering or leaving a bath. If I should give my advice, it would be
chaotic period toward the end of the war, despite suggestions that
to send the statue to Athens, to be placed in the Parthenon with
he do so, was important to the triumph of civilian government in
other naked great men." The statue was not sent to Athens; but
America. His presence at the Constitutional Convention of 1787
eventually it was put away in the basement of the Smithsonian Institu-
and his firm support of the Constitution that emerged from it were
tion, where it could embarrass the nation no longer. Nathaniel Haw-
crucial to the experiment in republican government that was launched
thorne was amused by all the commotion. "Did anybody ever see
in 1789. And as first President of the United States, he showed a
Washington nude?" he asked playfully. "It is inconceivable. He had
great deal of common sense, pursuing policies that enabled the new
no nakedness, but I imagine he was born with his clothes on, and
republic to get off to a good start. He made mistakes, of course,
his hair powdered, and made a stately bow on his first appearance
both as Continental Commander and as President. But most of the
in the world."6
time he showed sound judgment; and his devotion to the public
Even Americans who did not deify Washington were awed by
good in all exigencies was unwavering. Even Thomas Jefferson (who
his presence. In 1787, when the Constitutional Convention was meet-
disagreed with him politically) and John Adams (who was irked
ing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Gouverneur Morris boasted to
by his fame and popularity) could not help being impressed by him.
Alexander Hamilton that "he could be as familiar with Washington
Washington was impressive all right; but he was never as stiff,
as with any of his other friends." Hamilton replied, "If you will,
formal, cold, aloof, and impersonal as legend has pictured him. As
at the next reception evening, gently slap him on the shoulder, and
a young man, he engaged in derring-do like any romantic hero; he
say, 'My dear General, how happy I am to see you look so well,'
was eager to prove himself as a fighter and so was careless of his
a supper and wine shall be provided for you and a dozen of your
own safety in the midst of battle. All his life, moreover, he had an
friends." Morris accepted the challenge. On the evening agreed upon
eye for good-looking women, with whom he liked to flirt. He had
a large number of people were present when Morris entered the
an earthy sense of humor, growing out of his experiences as a Virginia
room, bowed, shook hands with Washington, laid his left hand on
farmer-planter, and was not put off by the subject of sex. He also
the latter's shoulder, and said, "My dear General, I am. very happy
liked good food and wine, enjoyed card-playing, horse-racing, and
to see you look so well!" Washington, according to one report, "with-
fox-hùnting, and had a great passion for the theater. At his wife
drew his hand, stepped suddenly back, fixed his eye on Morris for
Martha's tea parties, he circulated with obvious pleasure among the
several minutes with an angry frown, until the latter retreated,
ladies and impressed John Adams's wife Abigail as being "polite
abashed, and sought refuge in the crowd. The company looked on
with dignity, affable without familiarity, distant without haughtiness,
in silence." At the supper to which Hamilton treated him afterward,
grave without austerity, modest, wise, and good."9
6
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
7
But Washington's teeth eventually did him in. Later in life he
shining moisture," to his father, he softly said, "Well, Pa, only forgive
suffered frequently from toothaches; finally he had his teeth pulled
me this time; see if I ever be so stingy any more."11
and a plate made for him by a silversmith. But his first dentures
were so ill-fitting that he could barely close his lips when wearing
them, and it was extremely difficult for him to smile. When portraitist
The Cherry Tree Story
Gilbert Stuart came to paint him, he emphasized the severe lines
When George was about six years old, Parson Weems tells us, he
on Washington's mouth produced by his false teeth-perhaps deliber-
was made "the wealthy master of a hatchet!" of which, like most
ately. Washington did not enjoy sitting for portraits, with the result
boys, he was immoderately fond; he was constantly going about
that he and Stuart seemed not to hit it off very well. At one point,
chopping everything that came his way. One day, he unluckily tried
in an effort to put Washington at ease, Stuart remarked, "Now,
the edge of his hatchet on the body of a beautiful young English
sir, you must let me forget that you are General Washington and
cherry tree, which he "barked so terribly" that he ruined it. The
I am Stuart the painter." But Washington's mild and apparently
next morning, George's father discovered what had happened to
well-intentioned reply-"Mr. Stuart need never feel the need for
his tree and was filled with sorrow and anger. Presently George
forgetting who he is and who General Washington is"-irritated
and his hatchet made their appearance. "George," said Mr. Washing-
him. As a result, Stuart, possibly out of sheer pique (according to
ton sternly, "do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry-
biographer James Thomas Flexner); accentuated the distortions of
tree yonder in the garden?" This, says Weems, was a tough question,
Washington's mouth in his famous portrait, thereby distorting Wash-
and George staggered under it for a moment; but quickly recovered
ington the man in the eyes of future generations of Americans. 10
himself, and, looking at his father "with the sweet face of youth
For Washington was far from being the stiff, awkward, glum, square-
brightened with the inexpressible charm of all-conquering truth,"
jawed stuffed shirt who peers at us from Stuart's portrait. The anec-
he bravely cried out: "I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a
dotes which follow (except for Parson Weems's goody-goody fabrica-
lie. I did cut it with my hatchet." "Run to my arms, you dearest
tions) show him to be a many-sided individual possessing kindliness
boy," cried his father in transports, "run to my arms; glad am I,
as well as reserve, playfulness as well as dignity, and passionate
George, that you killed my tree, for you have paid me for it a thousand
feeling as well as prudent restraint.
fold. Such an act of heroism in my son, is worth more than a thousand
trees, though blossomed with silver, and their fruits of purest gold."12
The Coonskin
George's Apple
The story of George and the coonskin is no more probable than
One morning in the fall of 1737, according to Parson Weems, Mr.
the apple and cherry-tree stories, but it provides a welcome relief
Washington took little George by the hand and led him and his
from Parson Weems's fables. One day, the story goes, Washington,
cousin to a nearby orchard whose trees were laden with apples.
a young surveyor in the employ of Lord Fairfax, walked into a
"Now, George," said his father, "look here, my son! don't you remem-
tavern and demanded a dram of whiskey. The liquor was placed
ber when this good cousin of yours brought you that fine large apple
before him, but when he went to pay for it, he found he had no
last spring, how, hardly I could prevail on you to divide with your
money. Undismayed, he drew a coonskin from his bag; the innkeeper
brothers and sisters; though I promised you that if you would but
accepted this in payment for the drink and returned 158 rabbit skins
do it, God Almighty would give you plenty of apples this fall."
in change. George was so pleased-by both the drink and the change
Poor George, says Weems, could not say a word; but "hanging down
the inn-keeper gave him-that he proceeded to treat everybody in
his head, looked quite confused, while with his little naked toes he
the tavern and kept on treating them until the last rabbit skin had
scratched in the soft ground." Then, lifting his eyes, "filled with
been returned over the bar.¹³
8
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
9
The Charm of Bullets
tightly to his seat. A long and stormy struggle ensued. Finally, says
Custis, "the gallant horse, summoning all his powers to one mighty
In August 1754, the London Magazine quoted young Washington's
effort, reared, and plunged with tremendous violence, burst his noble
remark after a skirmish with the French and Indians at Great Mead-
heart, and died in an instant." A little later, at breakfast, Mrs. Wash-
OWS: "I heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something
ington asked about the horse. "Your favorite, the sorrel, is dead,"
charming in, the sound." Commented King George II dryly: "He
Washington told her regretfully. "Dead!" she exclaimed, "Why, what
would not say so, had he been used to hear many." Years later,
has happened?" Washington then told her what had taken place.
when someone asked Washington whether he had said he found
His mother was silent for a moment, then said: "It is well; but
charm in the whistling of bullets, he is supposed to have replied:
while I regret the loss of my favorite, I rejoice in my son, who always
"If I said so, it was when I was young.
speaks the truth. "16
Apology
Continental Commander
In 1754, when Washington was a colonel stationed with his men
In June 1775, a few weeks after the skirmish at Lexington and Con-
in Alexandria, there was an election for members of the Virginia
cord, John Adams got up in the Continental Congress, meeting in
Assembly, and a man named William Payne opposed the candidate
Philadelphia, to nominate a Commander-in-Chief for the Continental
supported by. Washington. At one point, according to a popular
forces. John Hancock, who as president of Congress was in the chair,
story, Washington got into a heated argument with Payne about
thought that Adams intended to name him, so he listened with mount-
the election and said something extremely offensive to him. In a
ing satisfaction as Adams outlined the superior qualifications needed
fury, Payne knocked Washington to the ground. But when Washing-
by the new commander. "Gentlemen," exclaimed Adams finally,
ton's men came running up, determined to avenge their commander,
"I know these qualifications are high, but we all know they are
Washington intervened and persuaded them to return peacefully to
needful in this crisis in this chief. Does any one say they are not
the barracks. Early the next morning he sent Payne a note requesting
to be obtained in this country? In reply, I have to say they are;
his presence at the local tavern as soon as possible. Payne went to
they reside in one of our own body-" At this point, Hancock could
the tavern expecting a duel. To his surprise, he saw wine and glasses
scarcely conceal a smile. But when Adams went on to say, "-and
instead of pistols. Washington rose to meet him and, smiling, offered
he is the man whom I now nominate-George Washington," Han-
his hand. "Mr. Payne," he said, "to err is nature; to rectify error
cock's face fell with a sudden thud. Adams said afterward that he
is glory. I believe I was wrong yesterday; you have already had
had never seen anyone's expression change as quickly as Hancock's
some satisfaction, and if you deem that sufficient, here is my hand—
did that day. Washington himself was apparently startled at Adams's
let us be friends." From then on, ends the story, happily enough,
choice, for he jumped up and left the room in a hurry. Later on,
Payne was an enthusiastic admirer of Washington.15
after Congress voted unanimously to accept Adams's nomination,
Washington, "with a tear glistening in his eye," told Patrick Henry:
The Sorrel Story
"This will be the commencement of the decline of my reputation.
When Washington was a boy, according to Martha's grandson,
G. W. P. Custis, his mother owned a blooded brood stallion with
Out of His Depth
a fierce and ungovernable nature. Several people had tried without
While Washington was out riding one day with his aide-de-camp,
success to ride him. Washington determined to master the horse.
Colonel David Humphreys, the latter, knowing how proud the Gen-
Aided by some friends, he bridled him and leaped astride him. The
eral was of his riding, offered him a bet that he would not follow
furious horse tried to unseat the young rider, but Washington clung
him over a tall hedge. Washington accepted the challenge. Hum-
10
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
11
phreys led the way and took the leap boldly, but, to his consternation,
soldier and a Christian at the same time. But George Washington
discovered that he had mistaken the spot and was deposited on the
has this day convinced me of my mistake.' Friend Potts then related
other side, up to his horse's girth, in a quagmire of mud. Washington
what he had seen, and concluded with this prophetical remark: 'If
either knew the ground better or had suspected something, for, fol-
George Washington be not a man of God, I am greatly deceived-
lowing at an easy pace, he reined up at the hedge and, looking
and still more shall I be deceived, if God do not, through him,
over at his engulfed aide, exclaimed: "No, no, Colonel, you are too
work out a great salvation for America.' "20
deep for me!"18
Washington at Monmouth
Receiving Fire
In July 1778, British forces left Philadelphia and started northward
One evening, as Washington sat at the table after dinner, the fire
through New Jersey toward New York. Washington followed and,
behind him flared up, leading him to say that it was too hot and
on the twenty-eighth, forced them to fight at Monmouth. The Ameri-
he'd better move, When someone said it behooved a general to stand
cans might have won except for the blundering of General Charles
fire, Washington retorted that it didn't look good for a general to
Lee. Instead of attacking, as Washington had ordered, Lee gave
receive it from behind.19
several confusing commands and then retreated. Washington was
furious when he saw his men retreating; riding up to Lee, he cried,
"What is the meaning of this, sir?" Lee did not reply, and Washington
The Valley Forge Prayer
again exclaimed, "I desire to know the meaning of this disorder
One of the most delightful. of all the fanciful anecdotes narrated
and confusion!" Lee then angrily said that "the American troops
by Parson Weems has to do with the Quaker who abandoned his
would not stand the British bayonets," and Washington snapped
pacifism after hearing Washington pray. In the winter of 1777, Weems
back, "You damned poltroon, you have never tried them!" In the
tells us, while Washington, with the American army, lay encamped
end, Washington managed to halt the rétreat and save the day for
at Valley Forge, "a certain good. old FRIEND, of the respectable
his army, but the opportunity to destroy a large part of the British
family and name of Potts, if I mistake not, had occasion to pass
force was lost. After the battle, Lee was suspended from his command
through the woods near headquarters. Treading his way along the
for a year. Lafayette, who witnessed the exchange between Washing-
venerable grove, suddenly he heard the sound of a human voice,
ton and Lee, said later that it "was the only time I ever heard General
which, as he advanced, increased on his ear; and at length became
Washington swear" and that his fury at Lee's behavior was terrible
like the voice of one speaking much in earnest. As he approached
to behold.21
the spot with a cautious step, whom should he behold, in a dark
natural bower of ancient oaks, but the commander in chief of the
American armiès on his knees in prayer! Motionless with surprise,
Quarrel with Hamilton
friend. Potts continued on the place till the general, having ended
In February 1781, Alexander Hamilton, one of Washington's aides
his devotions, arose, and, with a countenance of angelic serenity,
since 1777, had a quarrel with the Commander-in-Chief that led
retired to headquarters. Friend Potts then went home, and on entering
to his resignation. "The General and I passed each other on the
his parlour called out to his wife, 'Sarah! my dear Sarah! all's well!
stairs," Hamilton recalled; "he told me he wanted to speak to me.
all's well! George Washington will yet prevail!' 'What's the matter,
I answered that I would wait on him immediately. He then
Isaac?' replied she, 'thee seems moved.' 'Well, if I seem moved, 'tis
went downstairs to give Tench Tilghman, a fellow aide, a letter he
no more than what I really am. I have this day seen what I never.
was waiting for; as he was about to go up to Washington, he was
expected. Thee knows that I always thought that the sword and
stopped on the stairs by Lafayette, and they "conversed together a
the gospel were utterly inconsistent; and that no man could be a
minute." When he finally came into Washington's room, Washington
12:
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
13
exclaimed angrily, "Colonel Hamilton, you have kept me waiting
ton. "The King!" toasted Cornwallis. To which Washington is said
at the head of the stairs these ten minutes. I must tell you, sir,
to have added: "Of England! Confine him there and I'll drink him
you treat me with disrespect!" "I am not conscious of it, sir," replied
a full bumper!"24
Hamilton, "but since you have thought it necessary to tell me so,
we part." "Very well, sir," returned Washington, "if it be your
choice."
Franklin's Toast ding due battle for
An hour later Washington sent Tilghman to Hamilton to tell him
Benjamin Franklin, as American minister to France, attended a diplo-Inday
he was sorry the outburst had occurred and that he was willing to
matic dinner in Paris shortly after Yorktown. The French foreign
forget it. But Hamilton refused to reconsider his resignation; the
most he would do was agree to stay on until Washington found a
minister, Vergennes, opened the dinner by toasting his King in cham- amp
pagne: "His Majesty, Louis the Sixteenth, who, like the moon, fills
replacement for him. Hamilton was too ambitious to be satisfied
the earth with a soft, benevolent glow." The British ambassador Fr
as a mere aide-de-camp; he was also anxious for active duty. In
then rose to give his toast: "George the Third, who, like the sun men
the end, Washington, who had great affection for Hamilton, over-
at noonday, spreads his light and illumines the world." Then the
looked his young aide's rudeness and gave him an active command.
aging Franklin rose and exclaimed: "I cannot give you the sun nor
Bn
Hamilton served at Yorktown.²²
the moon, but I give you George Washington, General of the armies
men
of the United States, who, like Joshua of old, commanded both the
Yorktown
sun and the moon to stand still, and both obeyed."
When General Charles Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in Octo-
ber 1781, Washington insisted that "the same honors shall be granted
Refuses a Crown
to the surrendering army as were granted to the garrison of Charles-
Conditions in America after the victory at Yorktown were far from
ton." He was thinking of the humiliation General Henry Clinton
reassuring. Inflation was rampant, and the expression "not worth
had inflicted on American forces when General Benjamin Lincoln
a Continental," referring to paper money issued by the Continental
surrendered Charleston, South Carolina, to the British in 1780 and
Congress, began circulating. Army pay was months in arrears and,
his refusal to accord them "the honors of war" at the surrender
since Congress seemed incapable of meeting its financial obligations,
ceremony. The minute Cornwallis heard of Washington's decision,
many soldiers faced the prospect of returning to civilian life, upon
he announced that he was ill and would send Brigadier General
the disbanding of the army, without money or jobs. Overcome by
Charles O'Hara in his place. At the ceremony, O'Hara tried to hand
the apparent hopelessness of the situation, Colonel Lewis Nicola
his sword over to the French rather than to the Americans, but
of Pennsylvania wrote Washington a letter on May 22, 1782, in
Washington thereupon refused to accept it. He also forced O'Hara
which he proposed that the Commander-in-Chief seize power with
to surrender to General Lincoln, the officer whom Clinton had in-
the help of the army, make himself king or dictator, and establish
sulted at Charleston. After all, if Cornwallis was to be represented
a strong, stable government able to meet its financial obligations.
at the surrender by a deputy, the American commander would be
"Republican bigots," said Nicola, would undoubtedly consider his
too!23
plan as "meriting fire and fagots" if they got wind of it, but he
trusted Washington to keep it in strict confidence until the time
came to act.
Yorktown Toasts
Washington did keep Nicola's scheme in strict confidence; but
After the British surrender at Yorktown, Washington invited Corn-
he also rejected it at once with scorn and contempt. "With a mixture
wallis and his officers to dinner. "The United States!" toasted French
of great surprise and astonishment," he told Nicola, "I read with
commander Rochambeau. "The King of France!" toasted Washing-
attention the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be as-
14
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
15
sured, Sir, no occurrence in the course of the War, has given me
sullen and hostile audience. In his address, he did his best to bring
more painful sensations than your information of there being such
his men to their senses. He promised to do everything humanly
ideas existing in the Army as you have expressed, and I must view
possible to see that they received their just dues from their civilian
[them] with abhorrence and reprehend with severity
I am much
superiors in Congress. He also urged continued patience with Con-
at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given
gress which, he explained, moved slowly, like all deliberative bodies.
encouragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest
"By thus determining and thus acting," he said in conclusion, the
mischiefs that can befall my Country. If I am not deceived in myself,
officers would "afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking
you could not have found a person to whom your schemes were
of the glorious example you have exhibited to mankind, 'had this
more disagreeable.
Let me conjure you then, if you have any
day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection
regard for your Country, for yourself or posterity, or respect for
to which human nature is capable of attaining.'
me, to banish these thoughts from your Mind, and never communi-
But the officers were unmoved by Washington's plea. The chill
cate, as from yourself, or any one else, a sentiment of like nature."
in the room was unmistakable. Then, remembering that he had
That was the end of Nicola's scheme. In a state of extreme agita-
brought with him a letter from a Congressman promising speedy
tion, Nicola dashed off a letter of apology to Washington for having
action on the officers' grievances, Washington took it out of his
made such proposals. Then, worried lest this letter had been too
pocket to read. At this point, he seemed bewildered, paused for a
confused, he sent off another imploring Washington to clear him
moment as though he were having difficulty with the letter, and
of "every suspicion of harbouring sinister designs." Still reeling from
then reached into his pocket again and took out a pair of eyeglasses.
the impact of Washington's reply, he wrote again to disavow the
Apologizing for the interruption, he remarked quietly: "I have al-
ideas he had advanced in his first letter. He took no part in the
ready grown gray in the service of my country. I am now going
Newburgh crisis which developed a few months later.2⁶
blind." His remark stunned the officers. "Never, through all the
war, did his Excellency achieve a greater victory than on this occa-
The Newburgh Crisis
sion," said General Philip Schuyler afterward. "The whole assembly
were in tears at the conclusion of his address." According to David
During the winter of 1782-83, as the American people awaited the
Humphreys, it was "a proud day" for the army; Washington appeared
final conclusion of peace with Great Britain, the officers at Washing-
"unspeakably greater" on this occasion "than ever he did before."
ton's headquarters in Newburgh, N.Y., became increasingly restless.
After Washington left, the officers voted unanimously to follow his
Despite considerable pressure, Congress still had not raised money
advice. "I have ever considered," wrote David Cobb, one of Washing-
to pay their salaries; it also showed signs of going back on its promise
ton's aides, many years later, "that the United States are indebted
to give them pensions when they left the service after the peace
for their republican form of government solely to the firm and deter-
treaty was signed. The situation at Newburgh was potentially explo-
mined republicanism of General Washington at this time."27
sive and Washington knew it. Instead of going to Mount Vernon
for a few weeks, as he had originally planned, he decided to remain
in Newburgh that winter.
Resigns Commission
Washington's fears turned out to be well-founded. On March 10,
After the signing of the peace treaty with Britain, Washington had
1783, anonymous papers began circulating in the Newburgh camp,
a farewell meeting with his officers in New York and then went to
calling for a mass meeting of the officers to discuss their grievances
Annapolis to surrender the commission he had accepted from Con-
and plan strong action of some kind. Washington denounced the
gress eight years before. At noon on December 23, 1783, he entered
proceedings as "irregular and disorderly" and called a meeting of
the Hall of Congress, crowded with spectators, civilian and military,
his own for Saturday, March 15, at noon. When he met with his
and took the place assigned him. After a brief pause, Thomas Mifflin,
officers on that day, he faced, for the first time in his career, a
president of Congress, announced that Congress was ready to receive
16°
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
17
his communication. Washington thereupon rose and began reading
settling on what was clearly the best route to follow. Suddenly he
his prepared address: "The great events on which my resignation
pointed impatiently to the only pass on the map that seemed practica-
depended, having at length taken place, I now have the honor of
ble and cried: "Oh, it is plain enough!" The room became silent.
offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting
Washington himself paused, laid down his pen, and, obviously of-
myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed
fended, looked up sternly at the young Frenchman for a moment.
to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of
Then he resumed his inquiries. But after a few minutes he stopped
my country. With increasing emotion, he continued for a few brief
abruptly, threw down his pen, and, looking at Gallatin, announced:
paragraphs, paused for a moment to regain his composure, then
"You are right, sir!" Reflected Gallatin later: "It was so on all occa-
concluded simply: "Having now finished the work assigned me, I
sions with General Washington. He was slow in forming an opinion,
retire from the great theatre of action; and, bidding an affectionate
and never decided until he knew he was right."30
farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have long acted,
I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments
of public life.". Delivering his commission to the president, he re-
Royal Gift
turned to his place and received, standing, the response of Congress,
In 1786, the King of Spain presented Washington with two high-
delivered by Mifflin. After listening quietly to some words of praise,
born jackasses. One died en route to America, but the other, an
he left. The next morning he hastened down to Mount Vernon. "The
enormous creature of pure Andalusian breed which Washington
scene is at last closed," he wrote Governor Clinton of New York.
named Royal Gift, was taken to Mount Vernon, where a large harem
"I feel myself eased of a load of public care. I hope to spend the
of mares awaited him for breeding mules. But when a mare was
remainder of my days in cultivating the affections of good men,
placed in Royal Gift's paddock, he sniffed at her gingerly and then
and in the practice of the domestic virtues."28
turned away. After exposing him to a long succession of mares with-
out rousing his passions, Washington began wondering whether the
The Ragged Boys
jackass was impotent, too "full of Royalty to have anything to do
with a plebeian race" of Americans, or, like the Spanish King himself,
Once, after the Revolution, it is said, Washington was staying in
too old to react speedily to "female allurements." But at length he
an inn in Boston where General Howe had once lodged. He suppos-
discovered a way of tricking Royal Gift into performing. He intro-
edly got into a conversation with a little girl there. "You have seen
duced him to "the excitements of a female ass"; then, when the
the soldiers on both sides," he said; "which do you like best?" The
royal beast began to "evidence desires to which he [had] seemed
little girl said she liked the redcoats best. Washington laughed and
almost a stranger" before, he quickly removed the donkey and substi-
said: "Yes, my dear, the redcoats do look the best, but it takes the
tuted a mare.31
ragged boys to do the fighting."29
National Defense
Washington Makes Up His Mind
When the Constitutional Convention got around to discussing the
Shortly after the Revolution, young Albert Gallatin (later Jefferson's
power of Congress to raise an army, one of the delegates moved
Secretary of the Treasury) went to Virginia to buy some land in
"that the standing army be restricted to five thousand men at any
the western part of the state. While there he attended a meeting to
time." Washington was amused by the motion, but as chairman
select a pass for a road through the Allegheny Mountains, presided
could not offer a motion himself. Instead, he whispered to one of
over by Washington. Gallatin was impressed by the care with which
the delegates sitting near him that they had better amend the motion
the former Revolutionary commander interrogated the settlers and
so as to provide that "no foreign army should invade the United
hunters in the region, but he was put off by Washington's delay in
States at any time with more than three thousand troops."32
18
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
19
Cooling Things
many people as possible, and prepared to take the oath of office.
The crowd became suddenly still. The Secretary of the Senate raised
After his return from France, Thomas Jefferson asked Washington
the Bible, and Chancellor Robert R: Livingston came forward to
at breakfast one morning why the Constitution-framers had agreed
administer the oath. Washington put his hand on the Bible, and
to a second chamber in Congress at the 1787 convention. "Why
Livingston asked: "Do you solemnly swear that you will faithfully
did you pour that coffee into your saucer?" Washington asked him.
execute the office of President of the United States and will, to the
"To cool it," said Jefferson. "Even so," said Washington, "we pour
best of your ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution
legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it."³³
of the United States?" "I solemnly swear," replied Washington, re-
peating the oath and adding "So help me God," then bent forward
The First Inauguration
to kiss the Bible. "It is done," announced Livingston; turning to
the crowd below, he shouted: "Long live George Washington, Presi-
At sunrise on April 30, 1789, thirteen guns sounded at the southern
dent of the United States!" The crowd echoed his cry, the flag was
end of Manhattan; a little later Washington rose and began preparing
raised on the cupola of Federal Hall, thirteen guns sounded on the
for the day's festivities. He had his hair powdered, donned a brown
Battery, and church bells began tolling. After bowing several times
suit with buttons decorated with spread eagles, and put on white
to acknowledge the congratulations of the spectators, Washington
silk stockings and shoes with silver buckles. He also got out his
re-entered the Senate Chamber, took his seat on the dais there, and
dress sword. By the time he had eaten breakfast, church bells were
waited for people to resume their places. As he rose to read his
ringing and people were gathering before his house.
inaugural address, all the spectators rose with him; and after he
A few minutes after noon, a delegation from Congress arrived
bowed, they sat down again.
to escort the President-elect to Federal Hall. Washington bowed,
In his inaugural address, which he delivered in a deep, low, tremu-
shook hands, entered a grand coach drawn by four fine horses, and,
lous voice, Washington called on "that Almighty God who rules
at twelve-thirty, started off amid cheering crowds. At Federal Hall
over the universe" to help the American people find "liberties and
he got out of the carriage, walked through the ranks of militiamen
happiness" under "a government instituted by themselves" and urged
lined up outside, entered the building, and was escorted to the Senate
a spirit of moderation in the years ahead. "This great man," observed
Chamber, where the Senators, members of the House of Representa-
Pennsylvania Senator William Maclay, "was agitated and embar-
tives, foreign diplomats, and other dignitaries awaited him. Vice-
rassed more than ever he was by the leveled cannon or pointed
President-elect John Adams formally welcomed him, then an-
musket. He trembled, and several times could scarce make out to
nounced: "Sir, the Senate and the House of Representatives are ready
read.
His face, according to another observer, was "grave al-
to attend you to take the oath required by the Constitution. It will
most to sadness" throughout. While Washington was speaking, he
be administered by the Chancellor of the State of New York." "I
moved his manuscript nervously from his left to his right hand,
am ready to proceed," replied Washington. Adams bowed and led
put several fingers of his left hand in the pocket of his breeches,
him into a small half-enclosed portico overlooking Wall and Broad
and, at one point, made a flourish with his right hand which "left
streets. In front of him was a small table draped in red on which
a rather ungainly impression." Maclay, disappointed at Washington's
lay a large Bible on a crimson velvet cushion. The streets below
delivery, "felt hurt that he was not first in everything." But most
were crowded with people; so were the windows and rooftops of
people were deeply moved by the address. "It seemed to me," said
all the adjoining buildings.
the famous orator Fisher Ames afterward, "an allegory in which
As Washington appeared on the portico, a great shout went up.
virtue was personified, and addressing those whom she would make
Washington bowed three or four times, put his hand on his heart,
her votaries. Her power over the heart was never greater."
and finally sat down in an armchair next to the table. A moment
After his inaugural, Washington walked with other public officials
later he arose, moved to the railing where he could be seen by as
to St. Paul's Chapel to hear services performed by the Chaplain of
20
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
21
Congress. After church he dined at home and in the evening joined
the Senate needed more information and asked for additional doc-
friends in observing the illumination of the city and the display of
uments. Washington "wore an aspect of stern displeasure" while
fireworks. After it was all over he wrote his friends: "I greatly fear
Maclay was speaking. The Senate decided to postpone the first article
that my countrymen will expect too much from me."34,
of the treaty and move on to the others. After more debate Morris
moved that the treaty be referred to a committee. Washington
First Reception
"started up in a violent fret" at this and cried: "This defeats every
purpose of my coming here!" But he finally agreed to postponing
After he became President, Washington began holding three kinds
the discussion until Monday and withdrew "with a discontented
of official receptions: "levees" on Tuesdays for men only; Martha's
air."
tea parties for both men and women on Fridays; and official dinners
On Monday Washington returned to the Senate Chamber. He
on Thursdays. At the first levee, David Humphreys, Washington's
was now "placid and serene, and manifested a spirit of accommoda-
aide, arranged for the guests to assemble in what he called the "pres-
tion." But a long, tedious debate on two of the treaty's provisions
ence chamber," and then he took Washington to the door, threw
left him completely frustrated. Leaving the chamber, he reportedly
it open, and shouted: "The President of the United States!" According
exclaimed that "he would be damned if he ever went there again!"
to Jefferson, Washington was so unnerved by Humphreys's ceremo-
He never did. Though the Senate eventually approved the treaty
nial arrangements that he felt ill at ease throughout the reception.
with only minor revisions, Washington stopped trying to consult
When it was over he told his aide angrily: "Well, you have taken
personally with the Senators about treaties. Instead, he sent the Senate
me in once, but by God, you will never take me in a second time!"
written messages. Subsequent Presidents have followed his prece-
After that, the receptions were not so ceremonious, though they
dent.³⁷
never became informal.35
Pacifism
On Time
When Philadelphia Quaker Warner Mifflin visited the President to
When Washington invited people to his official dinners, he expected
discuss slavery with him, he was treated with "kindness and respect"
them to be on time. Once a Congressman arrived late and found
and reported afterward that Washington showed some understanding
everyone at the table. "We are obliged to be punctual here," Washing-
of the Friends' pacifist policy during the Revolution. "Mr. Mifflin,"
ton told him. "My cook never asks whether the company has arrived,
Washington asked at one point, "will you please to inform me on
but whether the hour has.
what principle you were opposed to the revolution?" "Yes, friend
Washington," replied Mifflin, "upon the same principles that I should
Advice and Consent
be opposed to a change in this government-all that ever was gained
by revolutions are not an adequate compensation to the poor mangled
On Saturday, August 22, 1789, Washington went to the Senate Cham-
soldier for the loss of life or limb." After a moment's pause, Washing-
ber with Secretary of War Henry Knox and announced that he had
ton declared: "Mr. Mifflin, I honor your sentiments; there is more
called to receive "advice and consent" on some provisions in a treaty
in that than mankind have generally considered."
with the Creek Indians. He handed Vice-President Adams some pa-
pers, and Adams read from them to the Senators. Unfortunately,
carriages driving by outside made him almost inaudible; and when
Poses for Life Mask
he had finished, Robert Morris asked that the papers be read again.
Once Washington posed for a life mask by the young American
Adams at once obliged, then asked: "Do you advise and consent?"
artist Joseph Wright. "He oiled my features over," Washington re-
There was a moment of silence. Then William Maclay said that
called, "and, placing me flat upon my back upon a cot, proceeded
22
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
23
to daub my face with the plaster. Whilst in this ludicrous attitude,
have a tremendous temper." "Upon my word," said Mrs. Washing-
Mrs. Washington entered the room, and seeing my face thus over-
ton, coloring, "Mr. Stuart takes a great deal on himself, to make
spread with' the plaster, involuntarily exclaimed. Her cry excited
such a remark." "But stay, my dear lady," said General Lee, "he
in me a disposition to smile, which gave my mouth a slight twist
added that the President had it under wonderful control." With
or compression of the lips that is now observable in the busts which
something like a smile, Washington remarked, "He's right. "41
Wright afterwards made."³
Recommendation
Loses His Temper
In the summer of 1797, the French revolutionist Constantin Volney
In November 1791, an American army under General Arthur St.
visited Mount Vernon at the beginning of a tour of the United States;
Clair operating in the west was ambushed by Indians and cut to
before leaving he asked Washington for a general letter of recommen-
pieces. Washington had warned St. Clair against surprise, and the
dation to the American people. Anxious to avoid any controversy
news came as a terrible blow. He was entertaining guests at dinner
over the Frenchman, who was a freethinker, Washington simply
when a messenger arrived with a dispatch. He left the table, read
wrote on a sheet of paper: "C. Volney needs no recommendation
it and then returned without any signs of agitation. When the guests
from Geo. Washington."
moved to the drawing room, he "spoke courteously to every lady
in the room, as was his custom"; afterward, alone with his secretary,
Tobias Lear, he still struggled for self-control. He "walked backward
Fireman
and forward for some minutes" without speaking; then he "broke
Washington, it is said, was an enthusiastic fireman. He began running
out suddenly, in bitter lamentations." In a renewed effort at self-
to fires when he was a boy and was still running to them in his
control, he "walked about the room several times, agitated but saying
old age. Only a few months before his death, he was riding down
nothing," then "stopped short and stood still a few seconds, when
King Street in Alexandria when a fire was discovered near the market.
his wrath became terrible." In a paroxysm of anguish, he struck
He stopped his horse at once and yelled to some men who stood
his fists against his forehead and "hurled imprecations upon St.
idly by: "It is your duty to lead in such matters! Follow me!" Throw-
Clair." He then sat down, remaining still for a few moments; and
ing his reins to his servants, he leaped to the ground and began
finally, having gained control of his emotions, said quietly: "This
pumping the engine, into which a few boys were languidly dumping
must not go beyond this room." After another pause, he said: "Gen-
buckets of water. Cheering citizens rushed to aid him, and within
eràl St. Clair shall have full justice." Later on, he expressed sympathy
a few minutes the old engine was throwing the highest stream that
for St. Clair in his terrible "misfortune."
had ever gushed from its pipe.43
Controls Temper
Washington's "features," said painter Gilbert Stuart, "were indicative
of the strongest and most ungovernable passions. Had he been born
in the forests, he would have been the fiercest man among the sav-
ages." Talking one day to General "Light Horse Harry" Lee, Stuart
happened to remark that Washington had a terrible temper but held
it under wonderful control. General Lee reported the remark to
the Washingtons at breakfast a few days later. "I saw your portrait
the other day, a capital likeness," said Lee, "but Stuart says you
06/25/1991 15:17 RCMH ADVERTISING UF-400AD
06511560 P.21
Page 2
President Bush (continued)
AND WE NOTE THE INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE AND APPEAL OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON - WHO IMBUED THE NEW ELECTED OFFICE OF THE
PRESIDENCY WITH GREATNESS AND DIGNITY. THANKS TO THE EXAMPLE
HE SET, THAT OFFICE HAS SURVIVED THE TEST OF TIME TO BECOME
ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVELY INFLUENTIAL IN HISTORY
...
THOMAS JEFFERSON - WHO PROVIDED NOT ONLY AMERICA - BUT ALL THE
WORLD - WITH THE TENETS OF MODERN DEMOCRACY. IT IS THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, MORE THAN ANY OTHER DOCUMENT,
THAT HAS SERVED AS A MODEL FOR FUNDAMENTAL DEMOCRATIC
PRINCIPLES IN OTHER NATIONS
THEODORE ROOSEVELT - WHO, AS A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE
PANAMA CANAL, SERVED AS AN ARCHITECT OF COMMERCE AND
COMMUNICATION WITH IMMEASURABLE INTERNATIONAL IMPACT
AND ABRAHAM LINCOLN. TO A WORLD WATCHING IN OUR NATION'S
DARKEST HOUR, WONDERING IF THE "GREAT AMERICAN EXPERIMENT"
WOULD FAIL, HE PROVED THAT A NATION "CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY" CAN
AND WILL ENDURE.
AND so, AS AMERICANS, WE ARE MINDFUL NOT ONLY OF WHAT MOUNT
RUSHMORE MEANS TO US, BUT ALSO HOW AND WHY IT STRIKES A
RESPONSIVE CHORD IN DISTANT LANDS
...
continued
PN PN6081
B27
19.80
WH
t: Familiar
Quotations
A collection of passages, phrases and
proverbs traced to their sources in
ancient and modern literature
FIFTEENTH AND 125TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
REVISED AND ENLARGED
John Bartlett
Edited by EMILY MORISON BECK
and the editorial staff of Little, Brown and Company
LB
LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY
BOSTON
TORONTO
378
Darwin - Washington
1
Would it be too bold to imagine, that in the
9 You went to some trouble to be born, and
great length of time, since the earth began to
that's all.⁶
Ib. V, iii
exist, perhaps millions of ages before the
commencement of the history of mankind,
10 If censorship reigns there cannot be sin-
would it be too bold to imagine, that all
cere flattery, and only small men are afraid
warm-blooded animals have arisen from one
of small writings.
Ib.
living filament which the Great First Cause
endued with animality ... and thus pos-
sessing the faculty of continuing to improve
John Dickinson
by its own inherent activity, and of delivering
1732-1808
down those improvements by generation to
11 Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all!
its posterity, world without end!¹
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.⁷
Zoonomia [1794]
The Liberty Song [1768]
Charles Lee
1731-1782
Richard Henry Lee
1732-1794
2 Beware that your Northern laurels do not
change to Southern willows.²
12 That these united colonies are, and of right
To General Horatio Gates after the
ought to be, free and independent states; that
surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga
they are absolved from all allegiance to the
[October 17, 1777]
British crown; and that all political connec-
tion between them and the State of Great
Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
Beilby Porteus
Resolution moved at the Continen-
1731-1808
tal Congress [June 7, 1776; adopted
July 2]⁸
3
One murder made a villain,³
Millions, a hero.
Death [1759], l. 154
4 War its thousands slays, Peace, its ten thou-
Julie de Lespinasse
sands.⁴
Ib. l. 178
1732-1776
13 The logic of the heart is absurd.
Pierre de Beaumarchais
Letter to M. Guibert [August 27,
1774]
1732-1799
5 Judging by the virtues expected of a ser-
vant, does your Excellency know many mas-
ters who would be worthy valets?
George Washington9
Le Barbier de Séville [1775], act
1732-1799
I, SC. ii
14 Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes
6 I quickly laugh at everything, for fear of
small numbers formidable; procures success
having to cry.⁵
Ib.
to the weak, and esteem to all.
Letter of Instructions to the Cap-
7 If you assure me that your intentions are
tains of the Virginia Regiments
honorable.
Ib. IV, vi
[July 29, 1759]
8 If you are mediocre and you grovel, you
⁶Vous vous êtes donné la peine de naître, et rien de
shall succeed.
plus.
Le Mariage de Figaro [1784], act
United we stand, divided we fall.-A watchword of
the American Revolution
III, SC. iii
See Aesop, 66:22.
¹Here the grandfather of Charles Darwin announces
⁸See John Adams, 381:6.
his own early theory of organic evolution.
⁹The Father of your Country.- HENRY KNOX, Letter to
²Gates was later defeated by Cornwallis at Camden,
Washington [March 19, 1787]
South Carolina [August 16, 1780], and was relieved of his
See Henry (Light-Horse Harry) Lee, 402:10, and
command.
Franklin, 348:11.
³See Seneca, 114:32; Young, 33°:1; and J. R. Lowell,
I can't tell a lie. I did it [cut the cherry tree] with my
567:20.
hatchet.- Attributed to Washington as a child; MASON
'See I Samuel 18:7, 13:4.
LOCKE WEEMS [1759-1825], The Life of George Washing-
⁵Je me presse de rire de tout, de peur d'être obligé d'en
ton [1800]
pleurer.
Father, I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my little hatchet.
See La Bruyère, 315.7, and Byron, 461:10.
-MARK TWAIN [1835-1910], Mark Twain as Washington
hington
Washington - Priestley
379
orn, and
1 Let us therefore animate and encourage
periment entrusted to the hands of the
Ib. V, iii
each other, and show the whole world that a
American people.
Freeman, contending for liberty on his own
First Inaugural Address [April
t be sin-
ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary
30, 1789]
re afraid
on earth.
Ib.
General Orders, Headquarters,
8 Happily the Government of the United
New York [July 2, 1776]
States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to
persecution no assistance, requires only that
2 The time is now near at hand which must
they who live under its protection should de-
probably determine whether Americans are
mean themselves as good citizens in giving it
to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to
on all occasions their effectual support.
icans all!
have any property they can call their own;
Letter to the Jewish congregation
, fall.⁷
whether their houses and farms are to be pil-
of Newport, Rhode Island [1790]
g [1768]
laged and destroyed, and themselves con-
9 To be prepared for war is one of the most
signed to a state of wretchedness from which
effectual means of preserving peace. 2
no human efforts will deliver them. The fate
First Annual Address [to both
of unborn millions will now depend, under
houses of Congress, January 8,
God, on the courage and conduct of this army.
1790]
Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us
1 of right
only the choice of brave resistance, or the
10 The basis of our political system is the
ites; that
most abject submission. We have, therefore,
right of the people to make and to alter their
ce to the
to resolve to conquer or die.
constitutions of government.
connec-
Address to the Continental Army
Farewell Address [September 17,
of Great
before the battle of Long Island
1796]
issolved.
[August 27, 1776]
11 Let me now
Continen-
warn you in the most sol-
adopted
3 There is nothing that gives a man conse-
emn manner against the baneful effects of
quence, and renders him fit for command,
the spirit of party.
Ib.
like a support that renders him independent
12 Observe good faith and justice toward all
of everybody but the State he serves.
nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with
Letter to the president of Congress,
all.
The Nation which indulges toward
Heights of Harlem [September 24,
another an habitual hatred or an habitual
1776]
fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a
slave to its animosity or to its affection, either
igust 27,
4
To place any dependence upon militia, is,
of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its
1774]
assuredly, resting upon a broken staff.
duty and its interest.
Ib.
Ib.
13 "Tis our true policy to steer clear of perma-
5
Without a decisive naval force we can do
nent alliances, with any portion of the for-
nothing definitive. And with it, everything
eign world.
Ib.
honorable and glorious.¹
t makes
To Lafayette [November 15, 1781]
14 There can be no greater error than to ex-
success
pect or calculate upon real favors from na-
6 If men are to be precluded from offering
tion to nation.
Ib.
he Cap-
their sentiments on a matter which may in-
15 It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to
giments
volve the most serious and alarming conse-
go.
Last words [December 14, 1799]
quences that can invite the consideration of
et rien de
mankind, reason is of no use to us; the free-
dom of speech may be taken away, and dumb
Joseph Priestley³
chword of
and silent we may be led, like sheep to the
1733-1804
slaughter.
Address to officers of the Army
16 It was ill policy in Leo the Tenth to patron-
Letter to
[March 15, 1783]
ize polite literature. He was cherishing an
enemy in disguise. And the English hierar-
2:10, and
7 The preservation of the sacred fire of lib-
²See Aristotle, 87:24; Vegetius, 128:25; Robert Burton,
with my
erty, and the destiny of the republican model
259:13; Fénelon, 316:12; and Lowell, 568:9.
d; MASON
of government, are justly considered as
³See the Bentham footnote to Francis Hutcheson, 342:19.
Washing-
deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the ex-
Bentham credits Priestley's Essay on Government [1768]
or the work of Cesare Bonesana, Marchese di Beccaria
hatchet.
¹See Themistocles, 70:19; Bacon, 181:11; Waller, 276:3;
[1738-1794] with inspiring his concept of "the greatest
shington
Mahan, 642:8; and Morison, 800:11.
happiness of the greatest number."
the radical multicultural road, many more parents will
outside it. It is not too late to stop the voucher train.
want to run for cover. The strongest argument against
But it's now or never.
vouchers is that they threaten to further Balkanize
American education and thus American culture. The
ABIGAIL THERNSTROM has just completed a study of
strongest argument for vouchers is that Balkanization
school choice in Massachusetts for the Pioneer Insti-
now seems more likely within the public system than
tute, Boston.
The big busts busted.
MOUNT RUSHMORE: THE REAL STORY
By Alex Heard
n July 4 America will observe the sort-of fiftieth
ing the fiftieth anniversary of work stoppage.)
O
anniversary of Mount Rushmore, the world's
The real motive behind this Golden Anniversary Cam-
largest sculpture, and the sort-of "soaring vi-
paign was explained last summer at a press conference
sion" of its bold and patriotic sculptor, Gutzon
held at the Rosslyn, Virginia, offices of the Gannett
Borglum. The sort-ofs are there for two reasons. In the
Foundation (a.k.a., as of July 4, the Freedom Forum), a
first instance because this is an oddly calculated fiftieth.
group chaired by South Dakota native and former USA
In the second, because Borglum's brand of patriotism
Today czar Al Neuharth. Basically, we're talking about a
had a weird, cranky, ugly side to it that, on the Fourth,
fund-raising opportunity. The Mount Rushmore Nation-
will be meticulously airbrushed out of the picture pre-
al Memorial Society, a non-profit group that works with
sented to the nation.
the National Park Service to prèserve Mount Rushmore,
The idea for a colossal monument in the Black Hills
hopes to bring in $40 million over the next three years,
was proposed in 1924 by Doane Robinson, state historian
through a combination of corporate grants, private do-
of South Dakota and a booster who believed that one way
nations, and commemorative coin sales, with an eye to-
to help get his state out of its boom-and-bust rut (caused
ward upgrades and maintenance at the site. In the long
by its dependence on mining and farming) was to con-
run, the busts are all doomed. As Outsidemagazine point-
struct a tourist attraction so massive that nobody could
ed out recently, the Rushmore granite is eroding at a rate
ignore it. Robinson wrote to Borglum, one of America's
of one inch per 10,000 years, and within 500 generations
foremost sculptors, urging him to come out and find a
"the presidents will look like bald little children." But in
site in the Black Hills for a sculpture depicting legendary
the meantime, face-lifts are needed. All four noggins
Western figures such as Buffalo Bill and Lewis and Clark.
have been defaced by cracks, one of the worst being a 40-
Borglum agreed, but wanted to carve presidents instead.
foot-long fault that meanders through Washington's
The official reason for celebrating Rushmore this
forehead. During the press conference, Dan Wenk,
summer is that "America's Shrine of Democracy"
Mount Rushmore's superintendent, darkly warned re-
never received "a proper dedication." Actually, it's
porters that if this isn't done, the Rushmore figures
been dedicated at least six times: in 1925, in a cere-
could become a mystery to our descendants, "like Easter
mony that featured men in colonial uniforms and
Island or the Sphinx."
coonskin caps; in 1927, when President Coolidge visit-
The campaign kick-off is the Fourth, which will wit-
ed the site and judged the project worthy of federal
ness the sort of high-stepping patrioglitzorama that has
largess; on July 4, 1930, when the first head-George.
become standard operating procedure for such occa-
Washington's-was completed; in August 1936, when
sions. Bob Hope will help emcee a TV extravaganza that
FDR dedicated Jefferson; in 1937, when Lincoln was
will also feature famous Dakotans Tom Brokaw and Mary
unveiled; and on July 2, 1939, as part of South Dako-
Hart. Radio City Music Hall Productions-which han-
ta's Golden Jubilee of Statehood, when Teddy Roose-
dled the entertainment for the Bicentennial of Washing-
velt's bust was christened. (So what happened in
ton's Inaugural, the We The People parade celebrating
1941? Borglum died, and with World War II looming,
the Constitution's 200th, Coca-Cola's 100th, and the
the government cut off funding; thus we're celebrat-
soon-to-come "100th Anniversary of Basketball"-is
putting on the Rushmore show. Jimmy Stewart, Mary Ty-
ALEX HEARD is a frequent contributor.
ler Moore, Billy Dee Williams, and Barry Bostwick (who
16 THE NEW REPUBLIC JULY 15 & 22, 1991
will perform his one-millionth stentorian imperson-
repeatedly, giving her fatal blood poisoning.) "[T]he
ation of George Washington) will be there, hoofing
one establishes, creates, builds; the other attaches,
and warbling their way through a pageant titled "By
feeds upon, corrupts. The first founded our nation,
Dawn's Early Light." There will also be "a never-
constituted our civilization, builded [sic] our free insti-
before-attempted special effect finale." (Hopeful pre-
tutions," and "while Anglo-Saxons have themselves
diction: a man in an Uncle Sam suit will make a death-
sinned grievously against the principle of pure nation-
defying "bungee cord" leap off Lincoln's chin.) The
alism by illicit slave and alien servant traffic, it has been
Rushmore people wanted to bag all five living presi-
the character of the cargo that has eaten into the very
dents, but so far they're having trouble getting commit-
moral fiber of our race character, rather than the mor-
ments. George Bush has been playing a tough game of
al depravity of Anglo-Saxon traders."
"maybe I'll come, maybe I'll go fishing."
Immigration was a major issue in Borglum's day, and
There was one thing, however, about the press con-
in "SUGGESTIONS FOR IMMIGRATION" he proposes a
ference that seemed
sweeping solution to
strange. Gutzon Borg-
the problem: slam the
lum's name was men-
gates immediately and
tioned only twice-
instruct Congress to
and quickly at that.
study "the record of
Once in connection
[Europe]'s races,"
with the Hall of Re-
the idea being to find
cords. And once by
out which countries
Neuharth, who smiled
send good stock-i.e.,
like a man who had
northern European
just sat on an ice cube
ones-and bar or se-
and chattered vaguely
verely restrict every-
about Borglum's "pa-
body else. Immigra-
triotism-his intense
tion would be
commitment to dem-
resumed on a pick-
ocratic ideals."
and-choose basis, with
Afterward I went to
new immigrants serv-
the Library of Con-
ing probationary
gress, which has Borg-
stints to prove they
lum's papers, and
aren't lazybones. The
looked him up. I
paper's last page is la-
learned that he was a
beled "NOTES." Here
many-angled, prickly
Borglum offers a few
person. On the up
extra thoughts he may
side, he was a self-
have intended to
made, energetic vi-
work into a more pol-
sionary-with a pas-
ished version. These
sion for Progressive
would make a helluva
politics and the little
dramatic reading for
guy-who overcame
"By Dawn's Early
huge obstacles to
Light." I see a gruff-
carve a monument of
but choked-up-Wil-
undeniable majesty.
ford Brimley, dressed
DRAWING BY VINT LAWRENCE FOR THE NEW REPUBLIC
On the down side, he
as Borglum, standing
was a blowhard, racist, jingoist anti-Semite, and a mem-
in a lone spotlight, and saying:
ber of the Ku Klux Klan during its salad days in the
If you cross a thorough-bred with a jackass you get a mule.
1920s. In addition to Jews and blacks, he especially dis-
If you cross a pure bred with a mongrel dog you get a
liked Catholics and the "wretched refuse" who are wel-
mongrel.
So
in
races.
If you cross any of the others with
each other it is curious that the lowest race in civilization is
comed with raised torch by the Statue of Liberty.
the strongest physically and breeding (crossed) is always
Check out this excerpt from one sample of Borglu-
down. A Negro and Jew will produce Negro, but Hindu and
mania, a letter he typed up in 1923 called "SUGGES-
Jew-Jew; Chinese and Jew, offspring Jew; Italian and Jew,
TIONS FOR IMMIGRATION." "The Nordic has ever been a
offspring Jew; any European race and Jew, offspring Jew.
camp maker: the Mediteranean [sic] has ever been a
The fact is that Mount Rushmore-if it's politically
camp follower," he wrote to his friend D. C. Stephen-
correct to say this
well, heat up the p.c. branding
son, Grand Dragon of the Northern Realm of the Ku
iron and let me have it-like many aspects of our na-
Klux Klan, and a questionable figure in his own right.
tional reality, is a mixed bag of pride-inducing and
(In 1925 he was put in prison for thirty-one years for
cringe-inducing facts. We won't hear about it on the
the murder of a woman he abducted, raped, and bit
Fourth, but Indians sure have a legitimate beef on the
JULY 15 & 22, 1991 THE NEW REPUBLIC 17
subject of Mount Rushmore's land deed. The moun-
needed time to assess the situation, but he did not want
tain sits in sacred Indian territory that the U.S.
to risk offending Mrs. Plane, so he included a KKK altar
government gave the Indians-exclusively and forev-
in his plans for the memorial." (The altar never got off
er-in the Treaty of 1868. When wildcatting white min-
the drawing board.)
ers found gold in the Black Hills, however, the govern-
Later he joined up-in time rising to rub elbows with
ment shifted, offering to let the Indians keep the Hills
members of the Klan's cabinet, called the "Klonci-
if they let us simply remove the valuable minerals. Sena-
lium." A consistent theme in his letters to Stephenson
tor William Allison of Iowa chaired a commission that
is his despair over the dismal quality of the Klan leader-
went out from Washington to explain the "new reali-
ship, which to him meant that it would fail as a viable
ties" to the Sioux. As Dee Brown writes in Bury My
political force. After one dispiriting meeting with high
Heart at Wounded Knee, when Spotted Tail, a Brulé Te-
Klandom in 1923, he wrote, "A Jew, a negro or a Ro-
ton, heard about Washington's offer, he "took this pro-
manist could not crawl into a more cowardly position
posal as a ludicrous joke." But it stuck. And the Indians
nor seek neutral ground more quickly than did every
were eventually ejected. The Homestake Mining Com-
Klan leader I appealed to."
pany, one of the many companies that moved in, has
mined the Black Hills since 1876; its CEO today is Harry
lan power struggles were instrumental in the
Conger, chairman of the Mount Rushmore Preserva-
K
fate of Borglum's plans for Stone Mountain.
tion Fund.
Borglum had envisaged smoothing off an area
400 feet high and a quarter-mile long-twelve
n Borglum's case the plan seems to be to blather
vertical acres of granite. On this, he planned to carve a
I
on about his patriotism and hope no one notices
gigantic frieze showing massed Confederate infantry,
his crankier side. "By Dawn's Early Light" will
cavalry, and artillery sweeping down to converge on the
have an entire segment focusing on his vision and
central figures of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and
patriotism, complete with readings from his papers.
Jefferson Davis. This was not to be. In 1924 Borglum
Fortunately, he left behind ample, usable raw material
fell afoul of Hollins Randolph, head of the Stone
in the form of cornball speeches and articles with titles
Mountain Memorial Association. Among other things,
like "The World As I Want It" and "If I Were Presi-
Randolph was angry about Borglum's failure to support
dent." The officially boosted history of the monument
William G. McAdoo, a losing candidate for the 1924
is Rex Alan Smith's 1985 book, The Carving of Mount
Democratic presidential nomination who was backed
Rushmore. The book tells us only that Borglum was "an
by a Klan faction. The executive committee voted to
ardent patriot" who was never "tainted by even a hint-
dump Borglum from the project, and he got the word
of public or private scandal."
while working at Stone Mountain.
You get a different story in the only Borglum biog-
What happened next would make a nice episode of
raphy that doesn't wax away the unsightly hairs: Six
"The Dukes of Hazzard." Borglum had his crew smash
Wars at a Time, published in 1985 by Howard and Au-
the Stone Mountain model and drop it over the side.
drey Karl Shaff. The Shaffs make it clear that Bor-
When the Stone Mountain Memorial Association
glum was a serious anti-Semite, though they offer
learned of this, it dispatched the sheriff and a posse. to
mitigating arguments in his favor. He was a treasured
pick up Borglum. Borglum was tipped off by his assis-
friend of many prominent Jewish leaders of the day-
tant Jesse Tucker, who put him in his car and headed
including Felix Frankfurter-who appear to have tak-
for the state line. "The chase went on for several hours
en his diatribes with a grain of salt. And the Shaffs
as Tucker took the backroads heading north with the
argue that Borglum came to his senses after the Nazis
sheriff right behind them," write the Shaffs. "At times
took power. He attacked Hitler early and publicly,
their pursuers came so close that Tucker ordered 'the
and aimed his diatribes at Nazi fans like Charles
Chief' to get down on the floor in case there was shoot-
Lindbergh.
ing. Finally in the early morning they crossed the bor-
Borglum's Klan involvement is another matter. At
der to safety in North Carolina." (After Borglum fled, a
the very least, it raises "serious questions of judgment."
new sculptor was brought in. Eventually a less ambi-
The first invitation to Borglum to carve a monument
tious version of this Mount Rushmore of the Slavocra-
came from the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
cy-featuring Lee, Jackson, and Davis-was finished. It
Their Atlanta president, Helen C. Plane, wrote to him,
was dedicated in 1970.)
suggesting a frieze celebrating the Confederate cause
In 1924 Borglum was literally a fugitive from a Geor-
on Stone Mountain, a mammoth granite rock near At-
gia chain gang. Fortunately he had somewhere else to
lanta. In a follow-up letter after his visit, she suggested
go. In the spring of that same year he had received the
working the noble Klan into the frieze: "[T]he KKK
letter from Doane Robinson proposing the Black Hills
saved us from Negro domination and carpetbag
monument. The letter arrived at Stone Mountain while
rule.
Why not represent a small group of them in
Borglum was on business in Connecticut. Tucker
their nightly uniform approaching in the distance?"
opened it and joyously wrote across the top-"Here it
Borglum was baffled, but cooperative. "Gutzon was not
is, Borglum! Let's go!"-before forwarding it. They
sure how he should respond," the Shaffs write. "The
went, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
KKK had not existed when he first went to Georgia. He
Well, all the history that's fit to print, anyway.
18 THE NEW REPUBLIC JULY 15 & 22, 1991