We do believe that Congress has the power to prohibit slavery in the territories; and whenever the occasion offers, whenever the proper time arrives, whenever the question arises, we are in favor of exercising that power, if necessary, to prevent the extension of slavery into free territory.
Sherman expresses his belief in Congress's authority to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories.
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What I have written is no doubt clouded with partisanship, but I would not be honest if I did not express my attachment to my party.
During forty years of public life, though many able men have aspired to the office I hold, the people of Ohio, through their general assembly, have preferred me to represent them.
Our family of states is already large enough to create embarrassment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions.
Our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country" has been the watchword and creed of my public life.
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