The great leading objects of the federal government, in which revenue is concerned, are to maintain domestic peace, and provide for the common defense.

[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.

As riches increase and accumulate in few hands, as luxury prevails in society, virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard. This is the real disposition of human nature; it is what neither the honorable member nor myself can correct. It is a common misfortunate that awaits our State constitution, as well as all others.

We are attempting, by this Constitution, to abolish factions, and to unite all parties for the general welfare.

In the usual progress of things, the necessities of a nation in every stage of its existence will be found at least equal to its resources.

It may safely be received as an axiom in our political system, that the state governments will in all possible contingencies afford complete security against invasions of the public liberty by the national authority.

Measures which serve to abridge the free competition of foreign Articles, have a tendency to occasion an enhancement of prices.