US Presidency
1866

If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates; but let there be no change by usurpation, for it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. Washington spoke these words to his countrymen when, followed by their love and gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life. To keep in all things within the pale of our constitutional powers and cherish the Federal Union as the only rock of safety were prescribed by Jefferson as rules of action to endear to his countrymen the true principles of their Constitution and promote a union of sentiment and action, equally auspicious to their happiness and safety.