Speech #440010566

Congress should have the power to pay the debts of the United States. What otherpower in the Governtent did those sages suppose would pay the public debts that made it necessary. in their solemn judgment. to grant that power to Congress is at power distinct and separate from the power to collect taxes? No. sirl these words were intended only.to specify the purposes for which the power to collect taxes was given and that the money chus raised was to be used only in paytng the debts and for the contton defense. (as by supporting the Army and Navy.) and for the general welfare as pointed out in the various clauses which follow in section 8 For. to regulate commerce. to establish rules for naturalization coin money. establish postoffices and postroads. and other powers thereinafter named were intended for the general welfare. But another and fatal objection to this reading is. that it renders nugatory and useless all other grants of power contained in this section. for. if "to provide for the common defense and general welfare" does not mean that the power is to be exercised in the manner pointed out in the several paragraphs of section 8. then there is no limitation on the discretion of Congress its to ]ow and when and to what extent it may go in providing for the general welfare of the United States. Again. and lastly on this head: When the people had the Constilttion under consideration to ratify or reject. objection was annle to this clause in section 8. that it gave Congress unlilitecd power amnd discretion in providing for the general welfare.