[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

Paraphrased: Millions for defense and not one thin dime for tribute or virtue. I forgot the author.....maybe Jefferson?

[oldbill]

Thin dime? - no, red cent.

[Reily]

Looks like it was a newspaper that supported Jefferson that originated the quote
“....
A newspaper known to be a strong supporter of Thomas Jefferson ran an article with the headline “Millions for Defense, but not a Cent for Tribute” thus picking up the rallying cry once again.
...”