Quotes from James Monroe

Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all - liberty!

To impose taxes when the public exigencies require them is an obligation of the most sacred character, especially with a free people.

National honor is national property of the highest value.

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.

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.

At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.

Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.

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.

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.

A king without power is an absurdity.

Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive.

I have great satisfaction in stating that our relations with France, Russia, and other powers continue on the most friendly basis.

Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.

It is better to spread trust all around than to hand out money!

The payments which have been made into the Treasury show the very productive state of the public revenue.

From several of the Indian tribes inhabiting the country bordering on Lake Erie purchases have been made of lands on conditions very favorable to the United States, and, as it is presumed, not less so to the tribes themselves.

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.

History has shown that at least one-half of every century is consumed in war.

It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty.

There is a price tag on human liberty. That price is the willingness to assume the responsibilities of being free men. Payment of this price is a personal matter with each of us.

A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.

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.

The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best advantage for the nation.

It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.