Monday, January 25, 2016

Benjamin Franklin, "disliked the word "liberal." . . . He remarked the tendency of abuses, in every case . . . The word "liberal" was struck out."

   "Dr. [Benjamin] FRANKLIN said, he approved of the amendment just made for rendering the salaries as fixed, as possible but disliked the word "liberal." He would prefer the word "moderate," if it was necessary to substitute any other. He remarked the tendency of abuses, in every case, to grow of themselves when once begun, and related very pleasantly the progression in ecclesiastical benefices, from the first departure from the gratuitous provision for the apostles, to the establishment of the papal system. The word "liberal" was struck out. nem. con."--June 12, 1787, Debates In The Federal Convention Of 1787, Held At Philadelphia. [Elliot's Debates, Vol. V, Pg. 185]

   I knew there was a reason why I always liked good ol' Ben! [I just couldn't resist....] ;)

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