Date: December 11, 1930
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
When there are so many evidences of unreasoning mental disturbances in the country it could not be expected that all official Washington would remain calm and collected. That would not happen under a system of representative government.
What the government needs is not the influence of the disturbed elements of the country so much as the influence of the less vocal but more truly representative elements of caution, reason and sound economics. To arouse these conservative forces into action required vigorous language from the President. He could not sound a fire alarm in whispers. Senator Robinson has displayed good judgment and leadership by refusing to become involved in nonessentials and reiterating his purpose to co-operate in relief measures.
The final results of our government are generally sound. The Senate or House sometimes starts wrong, but second thought usually sets them on the right track.
The responsible elements in the government, regardless of party, in a situation like the present, need more public reassurance and support from the conservative forces of the nation. These forces are predominant but they often lack expression. It is time for them also openly to manifest their obligation to co-operate.
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 Robert Manchester who prepared this document for digital publication.