Elbridge Gerry, (1744-1814) of Massachusetts, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Member of the Constitutional Convention Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-3] of 3 Elbridge Gerry quotesElbridge Gerry QuotesElbridge Gerry What, Sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. ...Whenever Governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins.~ Elbridge Gerry The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots.~ Elbridge Gerry Mr. Gerry contended that (the power of the Federal government to purchase lands within states) might be made use of to enslave any particular State by buying up its territory, and that the strongholds proposed would be a means of awing the State into an undue obedience to the Genl. Government...thus after the word ‘purchased’ the words ‘by the consent of the Legislature of the State’ (was added to the Enclave Clause).~ Elbridge Gerry Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print