University of Virginia Library

1182. CENTRALIZATION, Revolution and.—

I have been blamed for saying, that a prevalence of the doctrines of consolidation
would one day call for reformation or revolution.
I answer by asking if a single State of
the Union would have agreed to the Constitution
had it given all powers to the General
Government? If the whole opposition to it
did not proceed from the jealousy and fear
of every State, of being subjected to the other
States in matters merely its own? And if
there is any reason to believe the States more
disposed now than then, to acquiesce in this
general surrender of all their rights and powers
to a consolidated government, one and undivided?—
To Samuel Johnson. Washington ed. vii, 293. Ford ed., x, 228.
(M. 1823)