Quotes from the Brethren
Quotes from the Founders
George Washington–
A people… who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost anything. (George Washington letter to Benjamin Harrison, October 10, 1784)
Thomas Jefferson–
I think all the world would gain by setting commerce at perfect liberty. (Jefferson, Thomas letter to John Adams, July 7, 1785)
Alexander Hamilton–
The prosperity of commerce is now perceived and acknowledged by all enlightened statesmen to be the most useful as well as the most productive source of national wealth, and has accordingly become a primary object of its political cares. (Hamilton, Alexander Federalist No. 12, November 27, 1787)
Hamilton, Jefferson–
It should be our endeavor to cultivate the peace and friendship of every nation…. Our interest will be to throw open the doors of commerce, and to knock off all its shackles, giving perfect freedom to all persons for the vent to whatever they may choose to bring into our ports, and asking the same in theirs. (Hamilton Thomas Jefferson Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XXII, 1787)
James Madison–
I own myself the friend to a very free system of commerce, and hold it as a truth, that commercial shackles are generally unjust, oppressive and impolitic – it is also a truth, that if industry and labour are left to take their own course, they will generally be directed to those objects which are the most productive, and this in a more certain and direct manner than the wisdom of the most enlightened legislature could point out. (James Madison speech to the Congress, April 9, 1789)
Alexander Hamilton–
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state. (Hamilton, Alexander Report on Manufactures, 1790)
George Washington–
Harmony, liberal intercourse with all Nations, are recommended by policy, humanity and interest. But even our Commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of Commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing with Powers so disposed; in order to give trade a stable course. (Washington, George Farewell Address, September 19, 1796)
Speeches and Other Resources
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