John Adams: “Our agriculture, fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it.”

We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to our situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence and injustice of others may again compel us…

In short, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and distress.

It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing.

To give due effect to the civil administration of Government and to insure a just execution of the laws, a revision and amendment of the judiciary system is indispensably necessary.