Speech #490133755

Let them define the limits of this provision. let them tell as to what it applies or how far it reaches. what it includes and what it excludes. This clause was inserted for a purpose. and that purpose was farreaching. it did not get there by accident. nor was it mere surplusage. After prescribing specific powers. the powers to lay and collect taxes. to pay the debts and provide for the common defense. the framers added. and" general welfare of the United States."I They then proceeded further to confer the power to borrow money on the credit of the United States. to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the States. and with the Indian tribes. to establish an uniform rule of naturalization. and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcy. to coin money. &c. . to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States. to establish postoffices and postroads. to promote science. to define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas. &c.. to declare war. grant letters of marque and reprisal. &c.. to raise and support armies. to provide and maintain a navy. to make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces. to provide for calling forth the militia. to provide for organizing armies and disciplining the militia. &c.. to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over such district as might become the seat of the Government of the United States. &c.. and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powersjust enumerated and all other powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United States. or in any Department or officer therof. The framers endeavored to provide in specific terms the powers of Congress over all questions which history and experience had taught them would necessarily arise in the organism of this Government and its administration. But these wise men were building a structure for generations unborn. and. as they hoped. for ages to come.