“ When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation. ”
An avaricious man might be tempted to betray the interests of the state for the acquisition of wealth.No. 75
~ Alexander Hamilton
It has been frequently remarked, that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country to decide, by their conduct and example, the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force.
When avarice takes the lead in a state, it is commonly the forerunner of its fall.
Constitutions should consist only of general provisions; the reason is that they must necessarily be permanent, and that they cannot calculate for the possible change of things