Albert Beveridge: “Conservatives believed that the youthful Republic was doomed; they could see only confusion, destruction, and decline.”

There can be little doubt that a majority of the people did not favor the Constitution when adopted by the Convention and ratified by the States.

The Experiment, with its foundations laid on universal Suffrage and an unfettered and licentious Press is of too violent a nature for our excitable People.

Genius, and learning, and consummate skill, Moulding each thought, obedient to the will; Affections pure, as e'er warmed human breast, And love, in blessing others, doubly blest; Virtue unspotted, uncorrupted truth, Gentle in age, and…

No! but snatched from time, To bloom afresh in yonder sphere sublime.