Thomas Jefferson to James Madison - July 1788

[kpete]

Thomas Jefferson to James Madison

31 July 1788Papers 13:442--43

I sincerely rejoice at the acceptance of our new constitution by nine states. It is a good canvas, on which some strokes only want retouching. What these are, I think are sufficiently manifested by the general voice from North to South, which calls for a bill of rights. It seems pretty generally understood that this should go to Juries, Habeas corpus, Standing armies, Printing, Religion and Monopolies. I conceive there may be difficulty in finding general modification of these suited to the habits of all the states. But if such cannot be found then it is better to establish trials by jury, the right of Habeas corpus, freedom of the press and freedom of religion in all cases, and to abolish standing armies in time of peace, and Monopolies, in all cases, than not to do it in any.

http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch14s46.html

[The Wielding Truth]

1. Monopolies have always been a big problem. Now even more so. Great find, kpete!

[AnotherMcIntosh]

2. Monopolies and standing armies are just too profitable for the type of governance they envisioned.