"It is much to be wished (but I think a good deal to be doubted) that the States would adopt a liberal and proper line of Conduct for the Government of this country. It should be founded in justice. prejudices, unreasonable jealousies, and narrow policy should be done away. competent powers for all general purpose should be vested in the Sovereignty of the United States, or anarchy and Confusion will soon succeed. Liberty, when it degenerates into licentiousness , begets confusion, and frequently ends in tyranny or some woeful catastrophe, and to suppose that the Affairs of this Continent can be conducted by thirteen distinct Sovereignties, or by one without adequate powers, are a mere Solecisms in politicks." (George Washington, to John Augustine Washington, June 15, 1783)
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 03:51:39 +0000