Gibbons v. Ogden · ¶15

it is a rule of construction, acknowledged by all, that-the exceptions from a power mark its extent; for it would be absurd, as well as useless, -to except from a granted power, that which was not granted — that which the words of the grant could not comprehend. If, then, there are in the, constitution plain exceptions from the power over navigation, plain inhibitions to the exercise of that power in a particular way, it is a proof that those who made these exceptions, and prescribed these inhibitions, understood the power to which they applied as being granted.

U. S. Reports, bound volume
U. S. Reports, volume 22, at 1 (Library of Congress) · transcription: Caselaw Access Project
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