Our peculiar security is in possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction. I say the same as to the opinion of those who consider the grant of the treaty making power as boundless. If it is, then we have no Constitution. If it has bounds, they can be no others than the definitions of the powers which that instrument gives.
Nothing is more likely than that their enumeration of powers is defective.
This is the ordinary case of all human works. But it has been taken too much for granted, that by this rigorous construction the treaty power would be reduced to nothing. I confess, then, I think it important, in the present case, to set an example against broad construction, by appealing for new power to the people. No apologies for writing or speaking to me freely are necessary. I leave this about the 21st, and shall hope the District Court will give me an opportunity of seeing you.