I would not underrate by a hair's breadth the authority of these great names, the weight of these continuous reassertions of principle, the sanction even of the precedent and general practice through a century.
Reid emphasizes the significance of historical authority and principles in the ongoing constitutional debate.
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They appeared at times when public men often seemed to be groping in the dark on an unknown road, but it is now evident that the road which has been taken is substantially the road they marked out.
The danger commences with the first extra-continental State.
I never saw hands more cheerful or contented than some managed on this last plan were.
Above all, if there is a trace of politics in their work, or of seeking for political effect at home, they will fail, and deserve to fail.