But the Chief Justice says, 'There must be an ultimate arbiter somewhere.' True, there must; but does that prove it is either party? The ultimate arbiter is the people of the Union, assembled by their deputies in convention, at the call of Congress or of two-thirds of the States. Let them decide to which they mean to give an authority claimed by two of their organs. And it has been the peculiar wisdom and felicity of our Constitution, to have provided this peaceable appeal, where that of other nations is at once to force.

I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind.

The most effective way to find ourselves enslaved will not be done openly. If weakened we will sink gradually. I ask, who are the militia? They consist of the whole people, .... except a few public officers.

I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.

The merchants will manage [commerce] the better, the more they are left free to manage for themselves.

Every nation has a right to govern itself internally under what forms it pleases, and to change these forms at its own will.

Newspapers . . . serve as chimnies to carry off noxious vapors and smoke.