The imposition of taxes has its limits. There is a maximum which cannot be transcended. Suppose the citizen to be taxed by the general government to the utmost extent of his ability, or a thing as much as it can possibly bear, and the state imposes a tax at the same time, which authority is to take it?
Henry ClayThe Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.
Henry ClayBy competition the total amount of supply is increased, and by increase of the supply a competition in the sale ensues, and this enables the consumer to buy at lower rates. Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition.
Henry ClayHonor and good faith and justice are equally due from this country toward the weak as toward the strong.
Henry ClayGovernment is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.
Henry ClayI have heard something said about allegiance to the South. I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance.
Henry ClayOf all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.
Henry ClayI always have had, and always shall have, a profound regard for Christianity, the religion of my fathers, and for its rights, its usages and observances.
Henry ClayA man must be a born fool who voluntarily engages in controversy with Mr. Adams on a question of fact. I doubt whether he was ever mistaken in his life.
Henry ClayAll legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.
Henry Clay