On the record
The Government, which is trustee in this matter for the people of the States, is bound to take the same wise and comprehensive view.
Source
gutenberg.orgFranklin Pierce: “The Government, which is trustee in this matter for the people of the States, is bound to take the same wise and…”
Editor's note · Context
Here, Pierce asserts the government's responsibility to act wisely on behalf of the states' citizens.
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More from Franklin Pierce
The minimum of Federal government compatible with the maintenance of national unity and efficient action in our relations with the rest of the world should afford the rule and measure of construction of our powers under the general clauses…
Thus will the federal system, whatever expansion time and progress may give it, continue more and more deeply rooted in the love and confidence of the people.
Let us, then, with redoubled vigilance, be on our guard against yielding to the temptation of the exercise of doubtful powers, even under the pressure of the motives of conceded temporary advantage and apparent temporary expediency.
Our Government exists under a written compact between sovereign States, uniting for specific objects and with specific grants to their general agent.
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