And the will to meet the problems of peace must be as sturdy and at times even as heroic as that which we exemplified in meeting the emergencies of war. Only a few days since, my Mother admonished me that only those public officials who consecrate themselves unreservedly to the tasks before them are worthy of a place in the hearts of their fellow countrymen. Just a little while ago when I took the oath of office, with the admonitions of my Mother and my President associated in my thought, I committed myself to the tasks to which you have assigned me, with the belief that while the letter of the law has its place, yet enduring purpose and moral power after all are the great forces that have steadily unfolded to each succeeding generation a heritage richer than the last. So let me join here with you in common faith and hope that a way will be found to promote those activities that are essential to the peace, progress and prosperity of our people. Tolerance and faith in ourselves and in our neighbors are essential.
Convictions based upon prejudices and lack of information tend to courses that are unwise.
Opinionated and controversial discussions confuse rather than clarify. They hinder rather than help. As in adjusting other matters of life, the safe course is to properly analyze in healthy conference the factors that bear on the question in mind. In this way an intelligent course may be determined and pursued. And above all, common sense and justice must be the masters at all our council tables.