I feel obliged to withhold my approval of the plan, as…
““I feel obliged to withhold my approval of the plan, as proposed by this bill, to indulge a benevolent and charitable sentiment through the appropriation of public funds for that purpose. I can find no warrant for that kind of appropriation in the Constitution, and I do not believe that the power and duty of the General Government ought to be extended to the relief of individual suffering which is in no manner properly related to the public service or benefit. A prevalent tendency to disregard the limited mission of this power and duty should, I think, be steadfastly resisted, to the end that the lesson should be constantly enforced that though the people support the Government, the Government should not support the people. The friendliness and charity of our countrymen can always be relied upon to relieve their fellow-citizens in misfortune. This has been repeatedly and quite lately demonstrated. Federal aid in such cases encourages the expectation of paternal care on the part of the Government and weakens the sturdiness of our national character, while it prevents the indulgence among our people of that kindly sentiment and conduct which strengthens the bonds of a common brotherhood.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that government should not fund private charity, urging reliance on personal benevolence over federal aid.
In simple terms: Government should not replace private charity.
Key Takeaway
Limit government aid, encourage personal responsibility.
Themes
government
charity
federalism
individualism
public policy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- community support
- legislative decisions
- nonprofit funding
- public opinion
Key Concepts
limited government
civil society
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society balance private charity with necessary public assistance?
- What safeguards prevent government overreach while protecting the needy?
A Different Perspective
May neglect vulnerable individuals lacking personal support.