"READILY and, I trust, feelingly acknowledge the duty incumbent on us all . . . to provide for those who, in the mysterious order of Providence, are subject to want and to disease of body or mind; but I cannot find any authority in the Constitution for making the Federal Government the great almoner of public charity throughout the United States . . . ."

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Source: Franklin Pierce (1968). “Franklin Pierce, 1804-1869: chronology, documents, bibliographical aids”

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Franklin Pierce

Politician

Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States, known for his efforts to maintain national unity during a period of escalating tensions over slavery.

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