The Best of the OLL No. 40: Thomas Jefferson, “The Declaration of Independence” (1776) (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2013).

This is part of “The Best of the Online Library of Liberty” which is a collection of some of the most important material in the OLL. A thematic list with links to HTML versions of the texts is available here. The Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was originally penned by Thomas Jefferson in June 1776 when he was part of committee which was created to draw up a draft for the Second Continental Congress. We include in this extract Jefferson’s draft, the draft edited by Franklin and Adams, and the final official document which was published on July 4. Some striking differences between the drafts are noted.

The Black Book: An Exposition of Abuses in Church and State, Courts of Law, Municipal Corporations, and Public Companies; with a Précis of the House of Commons, Past, present, and to come. A New Edition, greatly enlarged and corrected to the present time. By the Original Editor. With an Appendix (London: Effingham Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1835).

An extraordinary document which details the corruption and financial abuses of the British government as well as the sinecures and privileges of the army, church, and other groups. It was drawn up by John Wade as part of the radical movement to expand the franchise in England. It went through many editions. The work is an excellent example of the Philosophic Radicals class theory of political power. This edition one is the revised and expanded edition of 1835. Previous editions were known as the “extraordinary” Black Book.

The Best of the OLL No. 39: Adam Smith, “Of the Character of Virtue” (1759) (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2013).

This is part of “The Best of the Online Library of Liberty” which is a collection of some of the most important material in the OLL. A thematic list with links to HTML versions of the texts is available here. In a section in the Theory of Moral Sentiments Smith discusses the nature of virtue, in particular prudence, justice, and beneficience. He notes that although they are an integral part of human nature their emergence is either stimulated or retarded by the kinds of societies in which human beings live.

The Best of the OLL No. 38: Daniel Webster, “Speech on the Draft” (1814) (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2013).

The Best of the OLL No. 37: Montesquieu, “Of the Constitution of England” (1748) (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2013).

This is part of “The Best of the Online Library of Liberty” which is a collection of some of the most important material in the OLL. A thematic list with links to HTML versions of the texts is available here. Daniel Webster gave a speech in the House of Representatives in which he opposed the introduction of conscription during the War of 1812 against Britain as a violation of the Constitution and the act of a failing government.

This is part of “The Best of the Online Library of Liberty” which is a collection of some of the most important material in the OLL. This influential chapter from “Spirit of the Laws” is a very good example of Montesquieu’s comparative approach to the study of political and legal institutions where he ranges broadly over ancient Greek and Roman, Germanic, modern Italian, Dutch, and English history. His conclusion is that political liberty cannot exist unless the executive, legislative, and judicial powers are controlled by different groups and not in the hands of one person.