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. James Monroe More Quotes by James Monroe More Quotes From James Monroe It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty. James Monroe ignorant exercise people Republics demanded virtue. Monarchies could rely on coercion and "dazzling splendor" to suppress self-interest or factions; republics relied on the goodness of the people to put aside private interest for public good. The imperatives of virtue attached all sorts of desiderata to the republican citizen: simplicity, frugality, sobriety, simple manners, Christian benevolence, duty to the polity. Republics called on other virtues--spiritedness, courage--to protect the polity from external threats. Tyrants kept standing armies; republics relied on free yeomen, defending their own land. James Monroe army simple christian History has shown that at least one-half of every century is consumed in war. James Monroe century half war The Executive is charged officially in the Departments under it with the disbursement of the public money, and is responsible for the faithful application of it to the purposes for which it is raised. The Legislature is the watchful guardian over the public purse. It is its duty to see that the disbursement has been honestly made. James Monroe faithful purses purpose I regret that I should leave this world without again beholding him. James Monroe regret should world Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land. James Monroe godly religious men There is every reason to believe that our system will soon attain the highest degree of perfection of which human institutions are capable. James Monroe political perfection believe In wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do James Monroe taken doe war [In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in their places. James Monroe government decision people Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will. James Monroe ill-will patriotic war 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. James Monroe may men war To impose taxes when the public exigencies require them is an obligation of the most sacred character, especially with a free people. James Monroe sacred character people 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. James Monroe growth example people The American continents, by the free and independent condition by which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. James Monroe colonization subjects independent The crime of ingratitude has not yet stained, and I trust never will stain, our national character. You are considered by them as not only having rendered important service in our own revolution, but as being, on a more extended scale, the friend of human rights, and able advocate of public liberty. To the welfare of Thomas Paine, the Americas are not, nor can they be, indifferent. James Monroe important rights character During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington - I call him the first George W. - (laughter and applause) - urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God's protection. James Monroe laughter giving war At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country. James Monroe progress political country The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best James Monroe ought advantage land I have great satisfaction in stating that our relations with France, Russia, and other powers continue on the most friendly basis. James Monroe russia satisfaction friendly The movements of a great nation are connected in all their parts. If errors have been committed they ought to be corrected; if the policy is sound it ought to be supported. James Monroe errors movement sound
