The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
CONSTITUTION / UNITED STATES / TAXATION AND WAR
I have seen, with infinite pleasure, our new Constitution accepted by
eleven States, not rejected by the twelfth; and that the thirteenth
happens to be a State of the least importance. It is true, that the
minorities in most of the accepting States have been very respectable;
so much so as to render it prudent, were it not otherwise reasonable,
to make some sacrifice to them. I am in hopes, that the annexation of
a bill of rights to the Constitution will alone draw over so great a
proportion of the minorities as to leave little danger in the
opposition of the residue; and that this annexation may be made by
Congress and the Assemblies, without calling a convention, which might
endanger the most valuable parts of the system. Calculation has
convinced me that circumstances may arise, and probably will arise,
wherein all the resources of taxation will be necessary for the safety
of the State. For though I am decidedly of opinion we should take no
part in European quarrels, but cultivate peace and commerce with all,
yet who can avoid seeing the source of war, in the tyranny of those
nations, who deprive us of the natural right of trading with our
neighbors? The produce of the United States will soon exceed the
European demand; what is to be done with the surplus, when there
shall be one? It will be employed, without question, to open, by
force, a market for itself, with those placed on the same continent
with us, and who wish nothing better. Other causes, too, are obvious,
which may involve us in war; and war requires every resource of
taxation and credit. The power of making war often prevents it, and in
our case would give efficacy to our desire of peace. If the new
government wears the front which I hope it will, I see no
impossibility in the availing ourselves of the wars of others, to open
the other parts of America to our commerce, as the price of our
neutrality.
to James Madison, 18 November 1788
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