While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can unite in a common objective and sustain common principles.

The constitutionality and propriety of the Federal Government assuming to enter into a novel and vast field of legislation, namely, that of providing for the care and support of all those ... who by any form of calamity become fit objects of public philanthropy. ... I cannot find any authority in the Constitution for making the Federal Government the great almoner of public charity throughout the United States. To do so would, in my judgment, be contrary to the letter and spirit of the Constitution and subversive of the whole theory upon which the Union of these States is founded.

The revenue of the country, levied almost insensibly to the taxpayer, goes on from year to year, increasing beyond either the interests or the prospective wants of the Government.

I find the remark, "Tis distance lends enchantment to the view" is no less true of the political than of the natural world.

There's nothing left . . . but to get drunk.

You have summoned me in my weakness. You must sustain me in your strength.

The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded.