The navigation of the Mississippi was also open to the United States before the Louisiana purchase; but the growing strength of the North made the acquisition of that territory, either by purchase or by force of arms, an inevitable necessity.
In this passage, Sumner draws a parallel between historical territorial acquisitions and the necessity of acquiring new lands.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
The most distant are not without a present influence on our daily lives.
It applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
Still further: every ship-of-war that floats costs more than a well-endowed college.
Other voices in this conversation
