State of the Union Addresses

by Benjamin Harrison

State of the Union Addresses of Benjamin Harrison

The addresses are separated by three asterisks: ***

Dates of addresses by Benjamin Harrison in this eBook:

[December 3, 1889]
[December 1, 1890]
[December 9, 1891]
[December 6, 1892]

***

State of the Union Address
Benjamin Harrison
December 3, 1889

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

There are few transactions in the administration of the Government that are even temporarily held in the confidence of those charged with the conduct of the public business. Every step taken is under the observation of an intelligent and watchful people. The state of the Union is known from day to day, and suggestions as to needed legislation find an earlier voice than that which speaks in these annual communications of the President to Congress.

Good will and cordiality have characterized our relations and correspondence with other governments, and the year just closed leaves few international questions of importance remaining unadjusted. No obstacle is believed to exist that can long postpone the consideration and adjustment of the still pending questions upon satisfactory and honorable terms. The dealings of this Government with other states have been and should always be marked by frankness and sincerity, our purposes avowed, and our methods free from intrigue. This course has borne rich fruit in the past, and it is our duty as a nation to preserve the heritage of good repute which a century of right dealing with foreign governments has secured to us.