conscience. Here it will continue to stand, seeking peace and
prosperity, solicitous for the welfare of the wage earner, promoting
enterprise, developing waterways and natural resources, attentive to
the intuitive counsel of womanhood, encouraging education, desiring the
advancement of religion, supporting the cause of justice and honor
among the nations. America seeks no earthly empire built on blood and
force. No ambition, no temptation, lures her to thought of foreign
dominions. The legions which she sends forth are armed, not with the
sword, but with the cross. The higher state to which she seeks the
allegiance of all mankind is not of human, but of divine origin. She
cherishes no purpose save to merit the favor of Almighty God.


***

Herbert Hoover
Inaugural Address
Monday, March 4, 1929

My Countrymen:

THIS occasion is not alone the administration of the most sacred oath
which can be assumed by an American citizen. It is a dedication and
consecration under God to the highest office in service of our people.
I assume this trust in the humility of knowledge that only through the
guidance of Almighty Providence can I hope to discharge its
ever-increasing burdens.

It is in keeping with tradition throughout our history that I should
express simply and directly the opinions which I hold concerning some