Thomas Jefferson Papers
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V. Partial Draft, 8 February 1805

V. Partial Draft

[before 8 Feb. 1805]

When it was vain to deny that our measures were good, they resorted to motives, & alledged they proceeded1 from bad motives.2 the taxes they admitted were unnecessary, but we did not suppress them because they were unnecessary, but because it would be popular. to the public however this question is of no importance. whether their agents do good, because they are good, or because it will please their constts. is unimportant. whether we are popular because we3 are honest, or act honestly that we may be popular is of no consequence to the public. for if their functionaries shall be honest, they will4 do good for conscience sake, if they have no conscience they will do good to be popular. so good will be done at all events.

Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 234:41878); in TJ’s hand; undated, but prior to Madison’s remarks on full draft received 8 Feb.; written on same sheet as Document III, with Document I on reverse.

1TJ here canceled “not.”

2TJ here canceled “we took off tax.”

3TJ here canceled “[…] do good.”

4TJ here canceled “act honestly, if wicked they.”

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