To obtain a just compromise, concession must not only mutual-it must be equal also....There can be no hope that either will yield more than it gets in return.

No principle of general law is more universally acknowledged, than the perfect equality of nations. Russia and Geneva have equal rights. It results from this equality, that no one can rightfully impose a rule on another....As no nation can prescribe a rule for others, none can make a law of nations.

In a free government almost all other rights would become worthless if the government possessed power over the private fortune of every citizen.

A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law.

I fear we may live to see another revolution.

When a law is in its nature a contract, when absolute rights have vested under that contract, a repeal of the law cannot divest those rights.

The power to tax is the power to destroy.