Coolidge, Calvin (1872-1933) [Speech concerning the end of World War I]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05314 Author/Creator: Coolidge, Calvin (1872-1933) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph document signed Date: circa 4 November 1918 Pagination: 6 p. ; 23 x 14.5 cm. Order a Copy
Delivered while Coolidge was a Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate, the speech is written in pencil and signed at the top of the first page. Notes indicate that the speech was delivered on November 4 at Faneuil Hall, just before the election and Armistice. Emphasizes winning the war as quickly as possible, reiterating his support for Woodrow Wilson, the unnamed "Commander in Chief", and maintaining American institutions. He writes, "Our work is drawing to a close...We had in view but one object -- the saving of America. We shall accomplish that object first by winning the war. That means a great deal. It means getting rid of the German idea. We can see no way to do this but by a complete surrender by Germany to the Allies...There will be great questions of reconstruction. Social, industrial, economic and governmental questions that must be met and solved. They must be met with a recognition of a new spirit."
Coolidge was elected Governor in 1918, settled the Boston Police strike in 1919 and was re-elected.
Calvin Coolidge's speech
Faneuil Hall
Calvin Coolidge
[struck]
Our work is drawing to a close - our patriotic efforts. We have had in view but our object - the saving of America. We shall accomplish that object first by winning the war. That means a great deal. It means getting rid of the German idea. We can see no way to do this but by a complete surrender by Germany to the Allies.
We stand by the State and National governments in the prosecution of this object. I have reiterated that we support the Commander in Chief in war work. He says that is so.
We want no delay in prosecuting the war the quickest way is the way to save most lives and treasure.
We [?] to call for the soldiers and their dependents. That has been the recognized duty of the government for generations.
To save America means to save American institutions, it means to save the manhood and womanhood of our country. To that we are pledged.
There will be great questions of reconstruction. Social, industrial, economic and governmental questions that must be met and solved. They must be met with a recognition of a new spirit.
It is a time to keep our faith in our state, our nation, and institutions, and in each other. Doing that the war will be won in the field and won in civil life at home.
We need a world of Christians and of [warning]. I am responsible for what I have said and what I have done. I am not responsible for what my opponents say I have said or say I have done either on the stump or in untrue political advertisements and untrue posters. I shall not deal with these. I do not care to touch them, but I do not want any of my fellow citizens to misunderstand my ignoring them as [struck] expressing any attitude other than considering such attempts unworthy of notice when men are fighting for the preservation of our country.
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