Presidential Speech Assignment
9/11/13
George Washington's Farewell Address
George Washington, the first President of the United States,
released his farewell address on September 19, 1796. The President gave his
address in published form, due to his failing health.
Washington began the address by informing the American
people that he would not be running for a third term in office.
The opportunity to serve his first two terms was a privilege
granted by the people, Washington said, and he expressed his gratitude for the
support he received during his presidency.
After explaining his intention to retire, Washington went on
to offer to American citizens “some sentiments which are the result of much
reflection.”
These sentiments included unity among different factions of
the country, the separation of powers, morality and education, economics and
foreign affairs.
Washington’s warnings on unity began with an acknowledgement
that liberty is dear to the hearts of United States citizens, and a suggestion
that “unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to
you.”
Americans should seek for cooperation between North and
South, East and West and different political factions, Washington said.
“It is important, likewise,” said Washington, “that the
habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted
with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective
constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one
department to encroach upon another.” The United States Constitution is the way
to maintain separation of power, Washington said.
The president then urged citizens to “promote, then, as an
object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of
knowledge.”
Washington also emphasized the importance of religion and
morality as “indispensable supports” of the nation.
The president then suggested that neutrality is the best
foreign policy. “If we remain one people under an efficient government, the
period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance…when
we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel,”
Washington said.
Washington concluded his address with a plea that the
country would forgive the mistakes he made while in office.
The president closed his remarks with the “pleasing
expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy,
the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the
benign influence of good laws under a free government,” Washington said.
