He had laid out a great platform for his defence, if he was forced to continue it; but he was willing to forego it all, provided it could be done without sacrificing his rights, the rights of his constituents, and those of the petitioners.
Quincy emphasizes the importance of defending rights while being willing to compromise.
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That the direct and infallible path to the Presidency is military service, coupled with demagogue policy. 2d.
But, if we go to war, what must be the effect of the peace that follows?
If its operation should turn out more advantageous to them, it will be more honorable for us; and I never can object to entering formally into an obligation to do that which, upon every virtuous principle, ought to be done without it.
The question raised by Martin Luther involved the whole theory of the rights of individual man, paramount to all human authority.
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