Date: June 29, 1931
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
At times we can be thankful for what is behind us. For nearly two years the world has been going through a readjustment period. There has been a world-wide economic depression which no business skill has been able to prevent, followed by political revolutions in many countries which no statesmanship found it possible to restrain. Both France and politics have been seeking a more stable equilibrium.
In spite of heavy losses and a good deal of concealed suffering; public and private charity have not failed to provide ample relief for our people. We have been free from public disorder. No one doubts the stability of our government. However severe the pressure, however great the danger, the patience and the courage of the nation have been greater. We have had a demonstration of the great financial resources and of the strength and character of our people. Whatever excesses they tolerated in the time of prosperity, in the time of adversity they stood firm. They have shown a reserve power sufficient to master their difficulties. Nothing has been able to shake their faith in their political and social institutions. A country which has met this test in this way is worthy of confidence.
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 Patricia Anderson who prepared this document for digital publication.