ing myself, that the new Congress, on account of the self-created respectability and various talents of its members, will not be inferior to any Assembly in the world.

1789.

THE SOURCE OF POWER.

The power under the Constitution, will always be in the people.

It is intrusted, for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and, whenever it is exercised contrary to their interest, or not agreeably to their wishes, their servants can and undoubtedly will be recalled.

THE DUTIES OF THE PEOPLE.

It remains with the people themselves, to preserve and promote the great advantages of their political and natural situation. Nor ought a doubt to be entertained, that men, who so well understand the value of social happiness, will ever cease to appreciate the blessings of a free, equal, and efficient government.

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.

Whatever my own opinion may be, on any subject interesting to the community at large, it alwavs has

been and will continue to be my earnest desire, to learn, and, as far as it is consistent, to comply with, the public sentiment; but it is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.

POPULAR COMMOTION,

The tumultuous populace of large cities, are ever to be dreaded. Their indiscriminate violence prostrates, for the time, all public authority; and its consequences are sometimes extensive and terrible.

PARTY DISPUTES.

Such, for wise purposes it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when VICTORY, more than truth, is the palm contended for, that "the post of honor is a private station.”

THE JUST MEDIUM.

The JUST MEDIUM cannot be expected to be found in a moment. The first vibrations always go to the extremes; and cool reason, which can alone establish a permanent and equal government, is as little to be expected in the tumults of popular commotion, as an

attention to the liberties of the people is to be found in the dark divan of a despotic tyrant.

POWER OF TRUTH.

I am sure, the mass of citizens in these United States mean well; and I firmly believe they will always act well, whenever they can obtain a right understanding of matters. But, in some parts of the Union, where the sentiments of their delegates and leaders are adverse to the government, and great pains are taken to inculcate a belief, that their rights are assailed and their liberties endangered, it is not easy to accomplish this; especially, as is the case invariably, when the inventors and abettors of pernicious measures use infinitely more industry, in disseminating poison, than the well-disposed part of the community, in furnishing the antidote.

Hence

To this source all our discontents may be traced; and from it all our embarrassments proceed. serious misfortunes, originating in misrepresentation, frequently flow, and spread, before they can be dissipated by truth.

INFLUENCE OF THE PEOPLE.

From the gallantry and fortitude of her citizens, under the auspices of Heaven, America has derived

her Independence. To their industry, and the natural advantages of the country, she is indebted for her prosperous situation. From their virtue she may expect long to share the protection of a free and equal government, which their wisdom has established, and which experience justifies, as admirably adapted to our social wants and individual felicity.

THE PEOPLE; NOT THE PRESIDENT.

As, under the smiles of Heaven, America is indebted for freedom and independence, rather to the joint exertions of the citizens of the several States than to the conduct of the Commander-in-chief, so is she indebted, for their support, rather to a continuation of those exertions, than to the prudence and ability manifested in the exercise of the powers delegated to the President of the United States.

LIBERTY AND POWER.

A change in the National Constitution, conformed to experience and the circumstances of our country, has been most happily effected by the influence of reason alone.

In this change, THE LIBERTY OF THE CITIZEN COntinues unimpaired, while THE ENERGY OF GOVERNMENT

is so increased, as to promise full protection to all the pursuits of science and industry, together with the firm establishment of public credit, and the vindication of our national character.

1790.

1. OFFICERS AND AGENTS OF GOVERNMENT.

APPOINTMENTS TO OFFICE.

Of two men equally well affected to the true interests of their country, of equal abilities, and equally disposed to lend their support, it is the part of prudence, to give preference to him against whom the least clamor can be excited.

GEOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS.

In the appointments to the great offices of Government, my aim has been, to combine geographical situation, and sometimes other considerations, with abilities, and fitness of known character.