James Beck: “It discusses a great malaise of our age, for which, I fear, no written Constitution, however wise, is an adequate…”

Without that vision to restrain each succeeding generation of Americans from the tempting excesses of political power, the American Commonwealth, with its great heterogeneous democracy, would probably perish.

If it ceases to be of the spirit of the people, then the yellow parchment whereon it is inscribed can avail nothing.

It did not believe that the State was omnipotent or infallible, and yet it proclaimed its authority within wise and just limits.

That vision will remain with them as long, and no longer, as there is in their hearts a conscious and willing acquiescence in its wisdom and justice.