On every unauthoritative exercise of power by the legislature must the people rise in rebellion or their silence be construed into a surrender of that power to them? If so, how many rebellions should we have had already?

My principles, and those always received by the republicans, do not admit to removing any person from office merely for a difference of political opinion. Malversations in office, and the exerting of official influence to control the freedom of election are good causes for removal.

None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important.

Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.

Where strictness of grammar does not weaken expression, it should be attended to. . . . But where, by small grammatical negligences, the energy of an idea is condensed, or a word stands for a sentence, I hold grammatical rigor in contempt.

The equal rights of man and the happiness of every individual are now acknowledged to be the only legitimate objects of government.

Every generation needs a new revolution.