List of inscriptions in the Minnesota State Capitol
Chief Decorator Elmer Garnsey, as a part of the mural decoration, worked with Capitol Architect Cass Gilbert to create a list of quotes to be used in the Minnesota State Capitol. The list was submitted to the commission for examination and revision. Originally there were in all 51 inscriptions in different places about the building, from 39 different men. South Lunette, Opposite Dome, Third Floor. The amelioration of the condition of mankind, and the increase of human happiness, ought to be the leading objects of every political institution,and the aim of  every individual, according to the measure of his power, in the situation he occupies. ~Alexander Hamilton. North Lunette, Opposite Dome, Third Floor. Liberty consists in the right of each individual to exercise the greatest freedom of action up to, and not beyond that point where it impinges upon the like exercise of freedom of action of every other man. ~Cushman K. Davis Above Entrance to Supreme Court, Second Floor. Justice is the great interest of man on earth. It is the ligament which holds civilized nations together. Wherever her templest and sand so long as it is duly honored,there  is a foundation for social security, general happiness, and the improvement and progress of our race. ~Daniel Webster Senate Chamber. Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also,in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered. ~Daniel Webster House Chamber. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ~Thomas  Jefferson. No free government or the blessings of liberty can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice,moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles. ~Patrick Henry. Inscriptions added later in 1930s The Trail of the Pioneer bore the Footprints of Liberty. Vox Populorum Est Vox Dei. Others. Aside from the above inscriptions painted on the walls, the following have been cut into the wood or marble, in their respective places: Over Fireplace, in House Retiring Room. Free and fair discussion will ever be found the firmest friend of truth . ~George Campbell. On Fireplace, in House Retiring Room. Measure not dispatch by the times of sitting, but by the advancement of business. ~Francis Bacon. Inside Main Entrance to House. Reason is the life of law. ~Edward Coke. Inside Senate, Over Door Casing. The noblest motive is the public good. ~Virgil. Inside Supreme Court, Over Door Casing. Where law ends tyranny begins. ~John Locke.