...Confederation. The lack of a central national authority caused Washington to comment : "I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation without having lodged...somewhere a power which will pervade the whole Union in an energetic manner as the authority of the state governments "-'•"ids over the several states."...

...done, or the fabric must fall, for it certainly is tottering. ... I do not conceive," he asserted, "we can exist long as a nation without having lodged...state governments extends over the several states." There was indeed a growing body of men who were determined to arrange for a general convention. In...

...new nation would soon be at the mercy of foreign predators. George Washington thought there had to be "lodged somewhere a power which will pervade the whole union in as energetic manner, as the Authority of the State Governments extend over the several States." Recognizing that...

..."error to correct" and was pessimistic as to the likelihood of changes occurring: I do not conceive we can exist long as a Nation, without having lodged...in as energetic a Manner, as the authority of the different State governments extends over the several States. To be fearful of vesting Congress, constituted...

...sentiments that our affairs are drawing rapidly to a crisis accord with my own. ... I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation without having lodged...State Governments extends over the several States. . . . requisitions are a perfect nullity where thirteen sovereign, independent, disunited States are...

...the intervention of coercive power. I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation, without lodging somewhere a power which will pervade the whole Union...State governments extends over the several States. To be fearful of investing Congress, constituted as that body is, with ample authorities for national...

...assemblage of virtue and vice, of abilities and weakness." Washington wrote back that "I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation, without having lodged...in as energetic a manner, as the authority of the different state governments extends over the states." He, too, was worried that disorder would lead...

...for their own good without the intervention of a coercive power. I do not conceive we can long exist as a nation, without having lodged somewhere a power...in as energetic a manner, as the authority of the different state governments extend over the several States."23 Constitutionally, the federal government...

...for their own good without the intervention of a coercive power. I do not conceive we can long exist as a nation, without having lodged somewhere a power...in as energetic a manner, as the authority of the different state governments extend over the several States." (One such heuristic experience was Shays's...

...the various states yet bind them together to form an actual country. As he wrote, "I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation without having lodged...state governments extends over the several states. Influence is no government." Over the next few days, after restful hours in the home of Pennsylvania...