131. ADMINISTRATION, Indebted.—
I
do not mean, fellow citizens, to arrogate to
myself the merit of the measures [of the administration];
that is due, in the first place, to
the reflecting character of our citizens at
large, who, by the weight of public opinion,
influence and strengthen the public measures;
it is due to the sound discretion with which
they select from among themselves those to
whom they confide the legislative duties; it
is due to the zeal and wisdom of the characters
selected, who lay the foundations of
public happine s in wholesome laws, the execution
of which alone remains for others;
and it is due to the able and faithful auxiliaries,
whose patriotism has associated with
me in the executive functions.—
Second Inaugural Address. Washington ed. viii, 43.
Ford ed., viii, 345.
(1805)
