Nothing is more natural to men in office, than to look with peculiar deference towards that authority to which they owe their official existence.

A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired.

To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character.

Self-preservation is the first principle of our nature.

The rights of neutrality will only be respected when they are defended by an adequate power. A nation, despicable by its weakness, forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.

[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.

Our countrymen have all the folly of the ass and all the passiveness of the sheep.