Date: June 8, 1931
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
Most of Europe is again laboring with difficult situations. Spain is passing through a revolution which has recently been accompanied by disorders directed against the property used for religious purposes. When it was hoped the ancient differences between the Church and State in Italy had been composed permanently new issues have arisen of an acute nature. Germany and England are struggling with economic problems. France is disturbed by the political consequences feared from the proposed German and Austrian customs union. An uncertain Russia is always in the background.
While we should be thankful for our own more happy condition we ought not to assume any attitude of superiority. We had our revolutionary period. We went through four years of a terrible internal war. We have periods of economic depression which no one adequately can explain or immediately relieve. At present our national Treasury is running a very large deficit. It is no time for harsh words or hasty action but for patience, sympathy and sober thought. Nor is there any reason for despair. There is a way out and it will be found. The forces of good are still superior to the forces of evil.
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.