Author: cbanaszak@riponsociety.org

“No other citizens deserve so well of the Republic as the veterans, the survivors of those who saved the Union.” Seventh Annual Message December 3, 1907

“Under our form of government voting is not merely a right but a duty, and, moreover, a fundamental and necessary duty if a man is to be a good citizen.” Seventh Annual Message December 3, 1907

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” The Strenuous Life April 10, 1899

“We have a right to appeal to all good citizens who are far-sighted enough to see what the honor and the interest of the nation demand.” Letter accepting the nomination for Vice-Presidency September 15, 1900

“In addition to courage and honesty we need the saving grace of common sense, for without that a man will make but scant headway in the world.” Address at Boise, Idaho May 28, 1903

“Far more important than the candidate’s words is the estimate you are able to put upon the closeness with which his deeds will correspond to his words.” Campaign speech, New York City October 19, 1898

“The virtue that is worth having is the virtue that can sustain the rough shock of actual living; the virtue that can achieve practical results, that finds expression in actual life.” At New York State Bar Association Banquet January 18, 1899

“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.” Kansas City Star May 7, 1918

“I ask you to help strike the note that shall unite our people. As a people we must be united. If we are not united we shall slip into the gulf of measureless disaster.” Before Knights of Columbus, New York City October 12, 1915