147 Quotes by William Howard Taft

There is no legislation – I care not what it is – tariff, railroads, corporations, or of a general political character, that all equals in importance the putting of our banking and currency system on the sound basis proposed in the National Monetary Commission plan.

There is nothing so despicable as a secret society that is based upon religious prejudice and that will attempt to defeat a man because of his religious beliefs. Such a society is like a cockroach – it thrives in the dark. So do those who combine for such an end.

I’ll be damned if I am not getting tired of this. It seems to be the profession of a President simply to hear other people talk.

I think I might as well give up being a candidate. There are so many people in the country who don’t like me.

I don’t know whither we are drifting, but I do know where every real thinking patriot will stand in the end, and that’s by the Constitution.

The judiciary has fallen to a very low state in this country. I think your part of the country has suffered especially. The federal judges of the South are a disgrace to any country, and I’ll be damned if I put any man on the bench of whose character and ability there is the least doubt.

There is no “but” in it. The way to be an administration Senator is to vote with the Administration.

I know how irritating it is to have somebody else lay down rules for your moral uplift, but you’ve got to stand a great deal in order to make progress...

We can’t have a decent government unless those in power exercise self restraint.