State of the Union Address (1790-2001) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 5,523 pages of information about State of the Union Address (1790-2001).

State of the Union Address (1790-2001) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 5,523 pages of information about State of the Union Address (1790-2001).

The duly authorized public authorities of this country have made prohibition the law of the land.  Acting under the Constitution the Congress and the legislatures of practically all the, States have adopted legislation for its enforcement.  Some abuses have arisen which require reform.  Under the law the National Government has entrusted to the Treasury Department the especial duty of regulation and enforcement.  Such supplementary legislation as it requires to meet existing conditions should be carefully and speedily enacted.  Failure to support the Constitution and observe the law ought not to be tolerated by public opinion.  Especially those in public places, who have taken their oath to support the Constitution, ought to be most scrupulous in its observance.  Officers of the Department of Justice throughout the country should be vigilant in enforcing the law, but local authorities, which had always been mainly responsible for the enforcement of law in relation to intoxicating liquor, ought not to seek evasion by attempting to shift the burden wholly upon the Federal agencies.  Under the Constitution the States are jointly charged with the Nation in providing for the enforcement of the prohibition amendment.  Some people do not like the amendment, some do not like other parts of the Constitution, some do not like any of it.  Those who entertain such sentiments have a perfect right to seek through legal methods for a change.  But for any of our inhabitants to observe such parts of the Constitution as they like, while disregarding others, is a doctrine that would break down all protection of life and property and destroy the American system of ordered liberty.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

The foreign policy of this Government is well known.  It is one of peace based on that mutual respect that arises from mutual regard for international rights and the discharge of international obligations.  It is our purpose to promote understanding and good will between ourselves and all other people.  The American people are altogether lacking in an appreciation of the tremendous good fortune that surrounds their international position.  We have no traditional enemies.  We are not embarrassed over any disputed territory.  We have no possessions that are coveted by others; they have none that are coveted by us.  Our borders are unfortified.  We fear no one; no one fears us.  All the world knows that the whole extent of our influence is against war and in favor of peace, against the use of force and in favor of negotiation, arbitration, and adjudication as a method of adjusting international differences.  We look with disfavor upon all aggressive warfare.  We are strong enough so that no one can charge us with weakness if we are slow to anger.  Our place is sufficiently established so that we need not be sensitive over trifles.  Our resources, are large enough so that we can afford to be generous.  At the same time we are a nation among nations and recognize a responsibility not only to ourselves, but in the interests of a stable and enlightened civilization, to protect and defend the international rights of our Government and our citizens.

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State of the Union Address (1790-2001) from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.