Joseph Ritner

“ Sound policy demands that operations which have thus shaken the old order of things, and that public works which have cost so much, should, as speedily as possible, be made to answer the great object for which they were originally designed — the public good. To accomplish it, the most vigorous measures and the most rigid economy are absolutely necessary, and will be enforced. Every exertion will be made to give energy and certainty to a system which, as yet, has exhibited little more than a doubtful promise of utility commensurate with the sacrifices made for its accomplishment. ”

“ It is therefore the imperative duty of those in authority, to protect the weak against the powerful, and to foster and encourage the laborious, the industrious, and the economical, in every class of society. To the performance of this duty I pledge the co-operation of the executive branch of the government.
The maintenance of a sound currency is one of the most difficulty but indispensable duties of those who administer the government, in a community possessing such various interests as that to which we belong. ”

“ The permanency of a Republic depends on the virtue of its citizens. Whilst they are vitruous and intelligent, the acts of their agents will be restrained and directed to the publi good, which is the only legitimate object of all government. Industry and economy, in all the transactions and conduct of individuals, are the principal promoters of that independence of character, and of that virtue, on which, so far as mere human agency avails, depends the existence of a government, republican not solely in name, but in reality. ”