States, like individuals, who observe their engagements, are respected and trusted: while the reverse is the fate of those who pursue an opposite conduct.

Wherever indeed a right of property is infringed for the general good, if the nature of the case admits of compensation, it ought to be made; but if compensation be impracticable, that impracticability ought to be an obstacle to a clearly essential reform.

The truth is that the general genius of a government is all that can be substantially relied upon for permanent effects. Particular provisions, though not altogether useless, have far less virtue and efficacy than are commonly ascribed to them; and the want of them will never be with men of sound discernment a decisive objection to any plan which exhibits the leading characters of a good government.

Its objects are CONTRACTS with foreign nations which have the force of law, but derive it from the obligations of good faith.

Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike.

It will follow that that government ought to be clothed with all powers requisite to complete execution of its trust.

Every individual of the community at large has an equal right to the protection of government.