And these are
the objects of this Declaration and Protest.
Supposing then, that it might be for the good of the whole, as some of
its co-States seem to think, that the power of making roads and canals
should be added to those directly given to the federal branch, as more
likely to be systematically and beneficially directed, than by the
independent action of the several States, this Commonwealth, from
respect to these opinions, and a desire of conciliation with its
co-States, will consent, in concurrence with them, to make this
addition, provided it be done regularly by an amendment of the compact,
in the way established by that instrument, and provided also, it be
sufficiently guarded against abuses, compromises, and corrupt practices,
not only of possible, but of probable occurrence.
And as a further pledge of the sincere and cordial attachment of this
Commonwealth to the union of the whole, so far as has been consented
to by the compact called 'The Constitution of the United States of
America,' (construed according to the plain and ordinary meaning of its
language, to the common intendment of the time, and of those who framed
it;) to give also to all parties and authorities, time for reflection
and for consideration, whether, under a temperate view of the possible
consequences, and especially of the constant obstructions which an
equivocal majority must ever expect to meet, they will still prefer the
assumption of this power rather than its acceptance from the free will
of their constituents; and to preserve peace in the mean while, we
proceed to make it the duty of our citizens, until the legislature shall
otherwise and ultimately decide, to acquiesce under those acts of
the federal branch of our government which we have declared to be
usurpations, and against which, in point of right, we do protest as null
and void, and never to be quoted as precedents of right.
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