Franklin Pierce Quote

"The constitutionality and propriety of the Federal Government assuming to enter into a novel and vast field of legislation, namely, that of providing for the care and support of all those … who by any form of calamity become fit objects of public philanthropy. ... I cannot find any authority in the Constitution for making the Federal Government the great almoner of public charity throughout the United States. To do so would, in my judgment, be contrary to the letter and spirit of the Constitution and subversive of the whole theory upon which the Union of these States is founded."

By:	Franklin Pierce (more quotes by Franklin Pierce or books by/about Franklin Pierce)
	(1804-1869) U.S. President
Source:	May 3, 1854, President Pierce when vetoing a bill to help the mentally ill
Categories:	Consitution, Power, Usurpation, Welfare
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