I am for free commerce with all nations; political connection with none; and little or no diplomatic establishment

There is no restraining men's tongues or pens when charged with a little vanity.

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.

The great mass of our citizens require only to understand matters rightly, to form right decisions.

A pack of jackasses led by a lion is superior to a pack of lions led by a jackass.

The alternate triumphs of different parties ... make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels.

Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human Nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?