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George Washington's two inaugural speeches and resignation speeches-the first one was just right.

First inaugural address

New york Thursday, 65438+April 30th, 0789.

Nothing worries me more than your notice, which was received on 14 this month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my motherland, and I will never hear its voice, but with reverence and love, I walked out of a refuge that I chose with the best wishes and good hopes and an unchangeable decision. This refuge is my refuge in my later years-due to the increase of habits and the passage of time, my health is often interrupted, which is more necessary and more precious for me every day. On the other hand, the voice of my motherland calls my trust to the extent and difficulty enough to awaken her most sensible and experienced citizens' distrust of his qualification examination, and can only overwhelm one (who inherits the inferior talent of nature and is unfamiliar with the responsibilities of civil administration) with frustration, and should be particularly aware of his own shortcomings. In this emotional conflict, what I dare to assert is that I have been faithfully studying and collecting information, and my duty is to correctly evaluate every situation that may be affected. What I dare to hope is that if in carrying out this task, I am too much influenced by my gratitude for the past, or by my deep affection for this transcendental proof of my compatriots' trust, and I seldom consider my incompetence and my reluctance to the heavy and untested worries before me, then my mistakes will be alleviated by my misleading motives, and the consequences will be judged by my country with a certain degree of partiality in its origin. This is my impression of following the call of the public and coming to my present post. Therefore, in this first official action, it is particularly inappropriate to ignore my earnest prayer to Almighty God, who rules the universe, presides over the world conference and makes up for all human defects with the help of God. His blessing may sanctify the freedom and happiness of the American people, a government established by themselves for these basic purposes, and may enable every tool used in the government to successfully perform the duties assigned to him. When paying tribute to this great creator of public and private interests, I am sure it expresses your feelings, no less than my own feelings and those of my compatriots. No one will affirm and worship the invisible hand that manages human affairs more than Americans. Every step they take towards the characteristics of an independent country seems to have some kind of divine power at work; In the important revolution just completed by their coalition government system,

Accompanied by humble expectations of the future blessings that the past seems to indicate. These thoughts from the current crisis are strongly imprinted on my mind and can't be suppressed. I believe that you will agree with me that nothing is more conducive to the establishment of a new free government. According to the terms of the establishment of the executive branch, the president is obliged to "recommend to you the measures he thinks necessary and appropriate." The situation of my meeting with you now will spare me from discussing this issue further, without mentioning what kind of great constitutional charter you are meeting under. The constitutional charter specifies the people you should pay attention to when defining your rights. It will be more in line with these situations, and it will also be more in line with the suggestions that inspire my feelings to replace specific measures, because talented, upright and patriotic decorated characters choose to design and adopt them. Among these glorious qualifications, I see the most reliable guarantee: on the one hand, there is no local prejudice or attachment,

There is no single viewpoint or hostility of political parties, which will mislead all-round and equal eyes and should monitor this great collection of communities and interests. Therefore, on the other hand, the foundation of our national policy will be based on pure and unchangeable private moral principles, and all the attributes of the Excellence of a free government can win the respect of citizens' feelings and command the world. I imagine this prospect with every satisfaction that my love for my country can inspire, because in the process of economy and nature, there is an inseparable combination between virtue and happiness, which is the most fully established truth; Between responsibility and interest; Between the true principles of honest and generous policies and the solid returns of public prosperity and happiness; Because we should not be a country that ignores the eternal rules of order and rights stipulated by heaven; Since the fate of the flame of freedom and the model of Republican government has been fairly taken into account, perhaps, as in the end, it will be put on the experiment entrusted to the American people.

Fellow citizens of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

In the ups and downs of my life, nothing makes me more anxious than receiving the notice delivered according to your order on June 14. On the one hand, my country calls me to this position, and I can only respect her call forever; Retirement is the destination of my old age, which I chose with love and hate, full of hope and firm determination. Due to my hobbies and habits, and the passage of time, my health is gradually declining, and I sometimes feel weak, which makes me feel more necessary and valuable to retire. On the other hand, the responsibility entrusted to me by the state is so great and arduous that it allows the smartest and most experienced people in China to measure their abilities. However, my talent is dull and I have no experience in civil affairs, so I should feel that my ability is insufficient, so it must be difficult for me to shoulder this heavy responsibility. With this ambivalence, the only thing I dare to assert is that it is my unswerving goal to perform my duties by correctly estimating various situations that may have an impact. The only thing I dare to pray is that if I am intoxicated with the past when performing this task, or because I sincerely thank the citizens for their high trust in me, I am so influenced that I ignore my incompetence and negativity when dealing with events I have never experienced before, and my mistakes will be alleviated by various motives that lead me astray, and everyone is judging the consequences of mistakes; It will also appropriately include the prejudices that give rise to these motives.

Since this is how I feel when I am called by the public to take up my present post, it will be extremely inappropriate not to sincerely pray for Almighty God when I am sworn in, because God rules the universe and dominates the governments of all countries, and its divine help can make up for any deficiency of mankind. May God bless a government formed for the freedom and happiness of the American people, bless it to contribute to these basic goals, and bless all administrative measures of the government to play a successful role under my responsibility. I believe these words also express the wishes of all of you and the general public when you pay this tribute to the great creators of public interests and private interests. No one can more firmly recognize and worship the God who is in charge of human affairs than Americans. It seems that every step they take in the process of becoming an independent country has some signs of God's blessing. In the major reform of the federal government system they have just completed, if their piety and gratitude are not rewarded, and if they do not humbly expect the blessings predicted in the past, then they can complete the reform through the calm thinking and voluntary approval of many completely different groups. This way can't be compared with the way most governments are formed. At the current turning point, I have these thoughts that I can't help but feel deeply. I believe everyone will feel the same way with me, that is, there is no other way for a new free government to make everything go smoothly from the beginning except relying on the power of God. According to the article establishing the executive branch, the president has the responsibility to "submit the measures he thinks necessary and appropriate to the National Assembly for deliberation". However, when I meet with you at present, I will not discuss this issue further, but only mention the great Constitution, which brings you together today, defines your powers and points out the goals you should pay attention to. In this case, it is more appropriate not to put forward specific measures, and it can better reflect my inner passion, but to praise the talent, integrity and patriotism of the elected person who will plan and take these measures. I see the most reliable guarantee from these noble qualities: first, no local prejudice or local feelings, no differences or partisan hostility can make us deviate from the overall view and the concept of fairness, that is, we must safeguard this great alliance composed of different regions and interests; Therefore, secondly, China's policy will be based on pure and firm personal moral principles, and a free government will show its superiority with all the characteristics of winning people's hearts and the respect of the whole world. My love for the country inspires me to look forward to this prospect with joy, because according to the composition and development trend of nature, there is an inseparable unity between virtue and happiness, between responsibility and interests, between observing honest and generous policies and realizing the fruits of social prosperity and happiness; Because we should also believe that God himself has stipulated the laws of order and rights, and he will never kindly praise countries that ignore these laws; Because people naturally, kindly, perhaps for the last time, linked the defense of the fire of freedom and the fate of the government with the experiments that Americans were ordered to carry out.

I have told you my thoughts at this party, and now I want to say goodbye to you; But before that, I will humbly ask the merciful God for help again. Thanks to God's gift, Americans have the opportunity to think carefully and decide the intention of the government system with unprecedented consensus to ensure the security of the Federation and promote happiness. Therefore, it is equally obvious that God will bless us to broaden our horizons, negotiate calmly and take wise measures, which are indispensable for the success of this government.

Second inaugural address

1793

Fellow citizens:

I was once again called by the voice of my motherland to exercise various functions as the supreme head of our country. This outstanding honor and the high hopes of the United American people have made me feel surging. When the right opportunity comes, I will try my best to express this feeling.

According to the constitutional requirements, the oath of office should be taken before the official exercise of the presidency. Here, I would like to take an oath before you as follows: during my administration, if I find any behavior that violates the presidential ban voluntarily or intentionally, I will not only bear the punishment stipulated by the Constitution, but also be willing to be condemned by all the people present at this solemn ceremony today.

resign (office/one's job/post)

Dear friends and compatriots,

Soon we will re-elect a citizen to preside over the administrative work of the American government. At this moment, we must use our thoughts to consider who to entrust this important task to. Therefore, I think it is time for me to make a statement to you, especially because it will help to express the public opinion more clearly that I have decided to refuse to list me as a candidate. ...

As for my feelings when I first assumed this arduous responsibility, I have already said it on appropriate occasions. When I resign from this post now, I want to say that as a person with poor judgment, I sincerely did my best for the organization and management of this government. At the beginning of my tenure, I was not unaware of my weak ability. My own experience made me lack confidence, especially in the eyes of others. As I get older, I think retirement is more and more necessary and welcome. I am convinced that if there are any circumstances that make my service of special value, it is only temporary; So I believe that according to my choice and after careful consideration, I should quit politics. Patriotism allows me to do so, which is my comfort. ...

Your heartstrings are closely related to freedom, so I don't need to strengthen or strengthen your love for freedom.

The unity of the government has made everyone a country, and now this unity is also cherished by you. This is natural, because your real independence is like a building, and the unity of the government is the main pillar of this building; It supports domestic stability and foreign peace; Support your safety, your prosperity and the true freedom you cherish. However, it is not difficult to foresee that some forces have tried to weaken everyone's belief in this truth. These forces have different reasons and sources, but they will all take pains to play their role as much as possible; The reason is that reunification is a key point in your political fortress, and the artillery of internal and external enemies will bombard it most continuously and intensively (although it is often secret and insidious). Therefore, the most important thing is that everyone should correctly estimate the great value of this national unity for collective and individual happiness; Everyone should keep sincere, regular and unswerving loyalty to it; You should get used to it in your thoughts and words as a guarantee of everyone's political security and prosperity; Be careful to protect it. If someone mentions that this belief can be abandoned under certain circumstances, even if it is just speculation, it should not be supported. If anyone tries to separate one part of our country from other parts, or wants to weaken the nerve bond that now connects all parts, they should be severely criticized when they first appear.

You have every reason to show sympathy and concern for this. The independence and freedom you have gained are the result of your joint efforts and sharing weal and woe.

In the free communication with the South, which is protected by equal laws of the same government, the North found that the products of the South provided extremely rich resources for the navigation industry and commerce, and provided very valuable raw materials for the manufacturing industry. Similarly, when communicating with the North, with the development of agriculture and the expansion of commerce, the South has benefited a lot from the role played by the North. The south moved some northern sailors to their own straits, which made the shipping industry in the south flourish. Although the south has contributed to the prosperity and development of the national shipping industry in all aspects, it expects to be protected by the relatively weak maritime forces at present. In similar exchanges with the West, the East found that the West is an important channel for the East to import goods from abroad and goods made in China. With the continuous improvement of inland land and water transportation, this channel will become more and more important. The west obtains the basic supply for development and improvement of life from the east; Perhaps more importantly, in order to ensure the necessary channels for the export of its products, the western region must rely on the power, influence and future maritime power on the Atlantic side of the Federation, which requires the western region to be regarded as a country with inseparable interests. If the western region wants to protect this important superior position by any other means, whether by relying on its own strength or by establishing the principle of betrayal and abnormal relations with foreign countries, it is inherently unreliable.

It can be seen that all parts of our country feel direct and special benefits from unity. By combining all parts together, people will find greater strength and more resources from the large-scale combination of means and power, which will correspondingly resist foreign invasion more safely and foreign damage to their peace will also be reduced. Unity will inevitably prevent the war between them, which is of inestimable value. This kind of war keeps tormenting neighboring countries because there is no same government to connect them. This kind of war will happen only because they compete with each other. If there is alliance, dependence and collusion with foreign countries, it will further stimulate and aggravate this confrontation. Therefore, in the same way, they can avoid the excessive development of military power, which is harmful to freedom under any form of government and should be regarded as especially respecting the freedom of the country. In this sense, your unity should be regarded as the pillar of your freedom. If you cherish one, you should also protect the other. ...

When studying various reasons that may disturb our Federation, it reminds people of a crucial thing, that is, to establish various political parties based on regional differences-North and South, Atlantic and West; Because those with malice may try to create a belief that there are indeed differences in interests and opinions between different places. One of the strategies adopted by a political party to gain influence in some fields is to distort the views and goals in other fields. The jealousy and dissatisfaction caused by this distortion is hard to prevent; Make people who should be brothers incompatible with each other. ...

In order to keep your alliance effective and lasting, a government representing all people is indispensable. No matter how close the alliance between regions is, it cannot completely replace such a government. Respecting their rights, observing their laws and observing their measures are all obligations stipulated in the basic norms of true freedom. The foundation of our government system is that the people have the right to formulate and amend the government constitution.

However, before the whole people take clear and formal actions to amend the Constitution, everyone has a sacred obligation to the Constitution. The people have the right and the right to establish a government. The premise of this concept is that everyone has the responsibility to obey the established government ... In order to preserve your government and keep your current happy state forever, you should not only support those acts that are hostile to the recognized government power from time to time, but also carefully resist the atmosphere of reforming government principles, even if the excuse seems reasonable. One of their attack methods may be to amend the constitution to destroy the vitality of this system, thus destroying things that cannot be directly overthrown. Of all the changes you may be invited to participate in, you should remember that time and habits are at least as important as other human systems to determine the true nature of government; It should be remembered that experience is the most reliable criterion to test the true trend of a country's existing political system. It should be remembered that it is easy to change only by assumptions and opinions, and it will lead to endless changes because of endless changes in assumptions and opinions. It should also be remembered in particular that in a vast country like ours, it is very important to effectively manage everyone's interests and interests, and a vibrant government that can fully guarantee freedom. In such a government where power is reasonably distributed and supervised, freedom itself will find the most reliable protector. If a government is too weak to stand factional struggles, can't make every member of society obey the law, and can't safeguard all people's safe and peaceful enjoyment of their personal and property rights, then this government will exist in name only.

I have warned you that there is a danger of political parties splitting in the United States, and I have specifically mentioned the danger of political parties splitting according to geographical differences. Now let me give you a general warning from a more comprehensive perspective and with the most serious attitude, and be alert to the adverse effects of party ideology.

It often interferes with public meetings and weakens administrative ability. It causes unfounded suspicion and unwarranted panic among the people; Enrage the opposition; Sometimes it can cause commotion and rebellion. It opens the door to external influence and corrosion. Foreign influence and corrosion can easily penetrate into government institutions through factional channels. In this way, the policies and will of one country will be influenced by those of another country.

There is also an equally important thing, that is, the ideological habits of a free country should keep those responsible for administrative management vigilant, limit their respective powers within the scope prescribed by the Constitution, and avoid infringing on the powers of another department when exercising the powers of one department. This spirit of ultra vires tends to concentrate the power of all departments in a certain department, thus forming real absolutism, regardless of the form of government ... If public opinion thinks that the distribution or revision of constitutional authority is wrong in some ways, we should make amendments according to the laws stipulated in the Constitution. But we cannot change it by usurping power; Because this method may be an effective means in something, but a free government will often be destroyed by this means. So using this method, sometimes you can get partial or temporary benefits, but once the case is opened, it will never offset the permanent damage it has caused.

One sentence is generally good, that is, morality is the necessary driving force for the government to which public opinion belongs. This rule is more or less applicable to all kinds of free governments. Who can turn a blind eye to any loyal friend who tries to shake the organizational foundation of a free government? Therefore, please take the institution that spreads knowledge generally as the most important goal to enrich and improve it. Government organizations have given public opinion power, and public opinion should be more insightful accordingly, which is very important.

We should cherish the country's financial resources, because it is an extremely important source of strength and security. One way to save financial resources is to use it as little as possible and keep peace to avoid unexpected expenses; However, it should also be remembered that timely allocation of funds in order to prevent disasters can often avoid paying more money to eliminate disasters. Similarly, we should avoid getting into debt. For this reason, we don't know how to save money. We should try our best to repay the debts brought about by the inevitable war in peacetime, and don't leave the burden we should bear to future generations mercilessly. ...

We should abide by faith and justice for all countries and promote peace and harmony with all countries. Religion and morality require us to do so. Isn't it the same with wise policies? If we can become a nation that always follows the lofty spirit of justice and kindness and set a lofty and brand-new example for mankind, then we will be worthy of being a free and enlightened country and will become a great country in the near future. If we stick to this policy all the time, we may lose some temporary benefits, but who will doubt that with the passage of time and the change of things, the benefits will far exceed the losses? Didn't God connect a nation's eternal happiness with its moral quality? At least, every emotion that ennobles human nature is willing to accept this test. In case the test fails, is it caused by human evil deeds?

When implementing this policy, the most important thing is not to hate some countries permanently and stubbornly, but to love others; We should cultivate a just and friendly feeling towards all countries. A country, if accustomed to other countries, will become a slave to some extent; Either a slave to hostility or a slave to friendship is enough to keep it away from its responsibilities and interests. When one country is disgusted with another, the two countries are more likely to insult and hurt each other, and hold grudges because of smallness. Once an accident or trivial dispute occurs, it will become arrogant and unreasonable.

A country's passionate love for other countries will also produce various unfavorable factors. Sympathizing with the country they love, they fantasize that they have common interests, but in fact the so-called common interests are only imaginary, not real; Moreover, if you pour the hatred of other countries on yourself, as a result, when there is a dispute or war between other countries, you will fall into it without sufficient reasons and reasons. In addition, it will give privileges that other countries do not get to the country it loves; Therefore, this country that makes concessions will suffer double damage. First of all, it will unreasonably lose the interests it should retain. Second, it will cause jealousy, ill feelings and revenge in countries that do not get this benefit. This provides convenience for ambitious, corrupt or deceived citizens (taking refuge in their favorite country), so they will not only be hated, but sometimes even be welcomed when they betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, and whitewash those who succumb meanly and foolishly because of ambition, corruption or recklessness as upright, obedient to public opinion or enthusiastic about public welfare and worthy of praise. ...

A free country should always be alert to the intrigues of foreign forces (fellow citizens, I implore you to believe me).

China is isolated and far away from other countries, which allows and urges us to adopt different policy lines. If we maintain unity under the leadership of a competent government, we will not be afraid of material losses caused by external interference in the near future; We can adopt a gesture, so that whenever we are determined to remain neutral, we can gain the solemn respect of other countries; When belligerents can't benefit from us, they dare not take risks and challenge us easily; We can choose between peace and war according to our own interests under the guidance of justice.

Why should we abandon the superior conditions brought by this special environment? Why do you want to give up your position and stand in a foreign country? Why should our destiny be intertwined with the destiny of any part of Europe, so that our peace and prosperity fall into the trap of European ambition, competition, interests, eccentric ideas or capriciousness?

Our real policy is to avoid forming a permanent alliance with any foreign country. I mean, we are free to deal with this problem now; But please don't misunderstand me and think that I am in favor of not fulfilling the existing treaty. In my opinion, honesty is the best strategy. This maxim applies not only to private affairs, but also to public affairs. Therefore, I reiterate that these treaties should be implemented according to their original intention. But I think it is unnecessary and unwise to extend these treaties.

We should maintain harmonious coexistence and free communication with all countries in terms of policies, humanity and interests. Although I didn't find any intentional mistakes when I reviewed my administration during my term of office, I am very aware of my shortcomings and don't think I didn't make many mistakes. No matter what these mistakes are, I sincerely pray to God to avoid or mitigate the possible consequences of these mistakes. I will hope that my country will forgive these mistakes forever; For forty-five years, I have served my country wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. I hope that the mistakes I made because of my weak ability will be forgotten when I am about to sleep underground.

In this respect, as in other aspects, I must rely on the kindness of my motherland. I love my motherland and am inspired by patriotic feelings. For a person who regards my motherland as the homeland of himself and his ancestors, this feeling is natural. Therefore, I look forward to it with joy. I hope that after I retire, I will happily share with my compatriots the warmth of perfecting the law under a free government-this is the goal I have been sincerely longing for, and I believe it is also a generous reward for our mutual concern, joint efforts and going through fire and water.