"Surely the present is the most unpropitious moment which could have been selected for the passage of this bill."
"This bill, should it become a law, will operate greatly to the injury of the new States."
"I deem it to be both inexpedient and unconstitutional."
"The representatives of the States and of the people, feeling a more immediate interest in obtaining money to lighten the burdens of their constituents than for the promotion of the more distant object..."
"I can not so read the words 'dispose of' as to make them embrace the idea of 'giving away.'"
"To the Senate of the United States:I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to ratification, two conventions between the United States and China, one providing for the adjustment of..."
"When this fails it can proceed no further."
"Without the authority of Congress the Executive can not lawfully direct any force, however near it may be to the scene of difficulty, to enter the territory of Mexico, Nicaragua, or New Granada for th..."
"It can not legitimately resort to force without the direct authority of Congress, except in resisting and repelling hostile attacks."
"It would have no authority to enter the territories of Nicaragua even to prevent the destruction of the transit and protect the lives and property of our own citizens on their passage."
"In the latter I state that--The executive government of this country in its intercourse with foreign nations is limited to the employment of diplomacy alone."
"He can resort to no hostile act."