Welfare, general clause

But it is said, by some of the advocates of this system, That the idea that Congress can levy taxes at pleasure, is false, and the suggestion wholly unsupported that the preamble to the constitution is declaratory of the purposes of the union, and the assumption of any power not necessary to establish justice, c. to provide for the common defence, c. will be unconstitutional. Besides, in the very clause which gives the power of levying duties and taxes, the purposes to which the money shall be appropriated, are specified, viz. to pay the debts, and provide for the common defence and general welfare. " I would ask those, who reason thus, to define what... 

The power to raise armies, is indefinite and unlimited, and authorises the raising forces, as well in peace as in war. Whether the clause which impowers the Congress to pass all laws which are proper and necessary, to carry this into execution, will not authorise them to impress men for the army, is a question well worthy consideration If the general legislature deem it for the general welfare to raise a body of troops, and they cannot be procured by voluntary enlistments, it seems evident, that it will be proper and necessary to effect it, that men be impressed from the militia to make up the deficiency. 

---