 When we consider that the theory of our institutions guarantees to every citizen the full enjoyment of all the fruits of his industry and enterprise, with only such deduction as may be his share toward the careful and economical maintenance of the Government which protects him, it is plain that the exaction of more than this is indefensible extortion and a culpable betrayal of American fairness and justice ... The public Treasury, which should only exist as a conduit conveying the people's tribute to its legitimate objects of expenditure, becomes a hoarding place for money needlessly withdrawn from trade and the people's use, thus crippling our national energies, suspending our country's development, preventing investment in productive enterprise, threatening financial disturbance, and inviting schemes of public plunder.
Grover Cleveland
Cleveland's third annual message to Congress
...danger confronts us...the prevalence of a popular disposition to expect from the operation of the Government especial and direct individual advantages.
Grover Cleveland
http://www.geocities.com/rationalargumentator/Grover_Cleveland.html
I can find no warrant for such an appropriation [federal aid to drought-stricken Texas farmers] in the Constitution, and I do not believe that the power and duty of the General Government ought to be extended to the relief of individual suffering which is in no manner properly related to the public service or benefit...The friendliness and charity of our countrymen can always be relied upon to relieve their fellow-citizens in misfortune...Federal aid in such cases encourages the expectation of paternal care on the part of the government and weakens the sturdiness of our national character, while it prevents the indulgence among our people of that kindly sentiment and conduct which strengthen the bond of a common brotherhood.
Grover Cleveland
http://www.geocities.com/rationalargumentator/Grover_Cleveland.html
Our citizens have the right to protection from the incompetency of public employees...
Grover Cleveland
http://www.geocities.com/rationalargumentator/Grover_Cleveland.html
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