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," (constructed 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 meanwhile, 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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