Date: January 20, 1931
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
The country is not in good condition. Considering our reserve powers it is not as bad as some of those assert who are loudest in proposing fantastic plans to save it. But it is bad enough.
That condition always invites bickerings and recriminations. We all claim the fault rests on the other fellows. Such quarreling only makes matters worse. It is useless to stop now to try to assess blame. What is needed is tranquility, moderation and constructive action.
When the Congress convened there was much hope that the public statement of several party leaders would prove a statesmanlike basis for such needed co-operation on the part of official Washington. That result is not being secured and the country is suffering. The President cannot abdicate. If there is any co-operation it must be in helping him in his executive capacity to give the country relief and in speedily passing the appropriation bills. No other program can benefit the people. It is no time for politics on the part of any public officials. The country wants action and action without factious opposition. A quiet, candid conference disinterestedly seeking the public welfare would be worth more than many pages of rhetoric.
Citation: Calvin Coolidge Says: Dispatches Written by Former-President Coolidge and Syndicated to Newspapers in 1930-1931 (Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation)
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of David Diao who prepared this document for digital publication.