On the record
Now, secrecy is contrary to one of the first principles of legislation, but the absurdity flows from having given to Congress, instead of the executive, the power of declaring war.
Source
gutenberg.orgJosiah Quincy: “Now, secrecy is contrary to one of the first principles of legislation, but the absurdity flows from having given to…”
Editor's note · Context
He critiques the legislative process for war declarations, arguing that it contradicts fundamental principles of governance.
Share
More from Josiah Quincy
He knew how little a majority of the men of his own time were disposed or qualified to estimate his character with justice.
Though conscious, being then in his seventy-eighth year, that he stood on the threshold of human life, he sought no relaxation from duty, no exemption from its performance.
They have transmitted that freedom to you; and upon you now devolves the duty of transmitting it unimpaired to your posterity.
Adams replied: "I have no hesitation to say I hold that act unconstitutional and void.
Other voices in this conversation
