He had recognized the signs of approaching conflict and he had felt the stubborn opposition of men in his own party to his policy of conciliation. All through his summer rest from official routine in Ohio he had worked out his last great utterance. No nation can longer be indifferent to any other. The period of exclusiveness is past. The expansion of our trade and commerce is the pressing problem.
Commercial wars are unprofitable.
A policy of good will and friendly trade relations will prevent reprisals. Our earnest prayer is that God will graciously vouchsafe prosperity, happiness, and peace to all our neighbors, and like blessings to all the peoples and Powers of earth. These were the President's last words as a statesman and leader. Even in his dying hours he longed to hear the answer. When the first agony of his wounds was over, he sent for his faithful secretary.