The country has duly adopted the eighteenth amendment.  Those who object to it have the right to advocate its modification or repeal.  Meantime, it is binding upon the National and State Governments and all our inhabitants.  The Federal enforcement bureau is making every effort to prevent violations, especially through smuggling, manufacture, and transportation, and to prosecute generally all violations for which it can secure evidence.  It is bound to continue this policy.  Under the terms of the Constitution, however, the obligation is equally on the States to exercise the power which they have through the executive, legislative, judicial, and police branches of their governments in behalf of enforcement.  The Federal Government is doing and will continue to do all it can in this direction and is entitled to the active cooperation of the States.

CONCLUSION

The country is in the midst of an era of prosperity more extensive and of peace more permanent than it has ever before experienced.  But, having reached this position, we should not fail to comprehend that it can easily be lost.  It needs more effort for its support than the less exalted places of the world.  We shall not be permitted to take our case, but shall continue to be required to spend our days in unremitting toil.  The actions of the Government must command the confidence of the country.  Without this, our prosperity would be lost.  We must extend to other countries the largest measure of generosity, moderation, and patience.  In addition to dealing justly, we can well afford to walk humbly.

The end of government is to keep open the opportunity for a more abundant life.  Peace and prosperity are not finalities; they are only methods.  It is too easy under their influence for a nation to become selfish and degenerate.  This test has come to the United States.  Our country has been provided with the resources with which it can enlarge its intellectual, moral, and spiritual life.  The issue is in the hands of the people.  Our faith in man and God is the justification for the belief in our continuing success.

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State of the Union Address
Herbert Hoover
December 3, 1929

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

The Constitution requires that the President “shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”  In complying with that requirement I wish to emphasize that during the past year the Nation has continued to grow in strength; our people have advanced in comfort; we have gained in knowledge; the education of youth has been more widely spread; moral and spiritual forces have been maintained; peace has become more assured.  The problems with which we are confronted are the problems of growth and of progress.  In their solution we have to determine the facts, to develop the relative importance to be assigned to such facts, to formulate a common judgment upon them, and to realize solutions in spirit of conciliation.