It is self-evident that no number of men, by conspiring, and calling themselves a government, can acquire any rights whatever over other men, or other men's property, which they had not before, as individuals.
The Complete Works of Lysander Spooner: The Unconstitutionality of Slavery, No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority, Vices are Not Crimes, Natural ... Laws of Congress, Prohibiting Private Mails