On the record
This rapid growth has resulted from the legitimate exercise of sovereign rights belonging alike to all nations, and by many liberally exercised.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Pierce discusses the legitimacy of the U.S. territorial expansion as a sovereign right shared by all nations.
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More from Franklin Pierce
They do not admit that the sovereigns of one continent or of a particular community of states can legislate for all others.
There is no condemnation which the voice of freedom will not pronounce upon us should we prove faithless to this great trust.
The Government of the United States, being essentially pacific in policy, stands prepared to repel invasion by the voluntary service of a patriotic people, and provides no permanent means of foreign aggression.
At one period or another every maritime power has by some solemn treaty stipulation recognized that principle, and it might have been hoped that it would come to be universally received and respected as a rule of international law.
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