James Monroe Quotes
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If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.
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It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty.
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The right of self defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals, and whether the attack be made by Spain herself or by those who abuse her power, its obligation is not the less strong.
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The American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European power.
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It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.
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In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, not does it comport with our policy so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defence.
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Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.
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Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all - liberty!
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The civil war which has so long prevailed between Spain and the Provinces in South America still continues, without any prospect of its speedy termination.
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Our relation to Europe, is pretty much the same, as it was in the commencement of the French Revolution. Can we, in any form, take a bolder attitude in regard to it, in favor of liberty, than we then did? Can we afford greater aid to that cause, by assuming any such attitude, than we do now, by the form of our example?
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The mention of Greece fills the mind with the most exalted sentiments and arouses in our bosoms the best feelings of which our nature is capable.
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National honor is the national property of the highest value.
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By the last returns to the Department of War the militia force of the several States may be estimated at 800,000 men - infantry, artillery, and cavalry.
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The great increase of our population throughout the Union will alone produce an important effect, and in no quarter will it be so sensibly felt as in those in contemplation.
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Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.
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By these purchases the Indian title, with moderate reservations, has been extinguished to the whole of the land within the limits of the State of Ohio, and to a part of that in the Michigan Territory and of the State of Indiana.
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I have great satisfaction in stating that our relations with France, Russia, and other powers continue on the most friendly basis.
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A king without power is an absurdity.
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It is the knowledge that all men have weaknesses and that many have vices that makes government necessary.
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The principles and passions of men are always the same and lead to the same result, varying only according to the circumstances in which they are placed.
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The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best advantage for the nation.
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The payments which have been made into the Treasury show the very productive state of the public revenue.
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At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.
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Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.