7194. REFORM, Necessity for.—
I think moderate imperfections [in constitutions and
laws] had better be borne with; because,
when once known, we accommodate ourselves
to them, and find practical means of correcting
their ill effects. But I know also, that
laws and institutions must go hand in hand
with the progress of the human mind. As
that becomes more developed, more enlightened,
as new discoveries are made, new truths
disclosed, and manners and opinions change
with the change of circumstances, institutions
must advance also, and keep pace with the
times.—
To Samuel Kerchival. Washington ed. vii, 15.
Ford ed., x, 42.
(M.
1816)
