Both of our political parties, at least the honest portion of them, agree conscientiously in the same object: the public good; but they differ essentially in what they deem the means of promoting that good. One side believes it best done by one composition of the governing powers, the other by a different one. One fears most the ignorance of the people; the other the selfishness of rulers independent of them. Which is right, time and experience will prove.

Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their construction.

It may be regarded as certain that not a foot of land will ever be taken from the Indians without their own consent.

The same prudence which in private life would forbid our paying our own money for unexplained projects, forbids it in the dispensation of the public moneys.

Democrats consider the people as the safest depository of power in the last resort; they cherish them, therefore, and wish to leave in them all the powers to the exercise of which they are competent.

An elective despotism was not the government we fought for.

It should be our endeavor to cultivate the peace and friendship of every nation, even of that which has injured us most.