Fisher Ames

"The known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness, which the ambitious call, and the ignorant believe to be, liberty."

"I consider biennial elections as a security that the sober, second thought of the people shall be law."

"The gentleman puts me in mind of an old hen which persists in setting after her eggs are taken away."

"Fisher Ames expressed the popular security more wisely, when he compared a monarchy and a republic, saying, "that a monarchy is a merchantman, which sails well, but will sometimes strike on a rock, an…"

"The House is composed of very good men, not shining, but honest and reasonably well-informed, and in time they will be found to improve, and not to be much inferior in eloquence, science, and dignity,…"

"It was said by Fisher Ames that “falsehood proceeds from Maine to Georgia, while truth is pulling on his boots”."

"Why then, if these books for children must be retained, as they will be, should not the bible regain the place it once held as a school book ? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. …"

"The rights of conscience, of bearing arms, of changing the government, are declared to be inherent in the people. Freedom of the press, too."