No section and no state can, because the presidential election has gone against it, say, 'We will have this change in the constitution, or we will fire upon your flag; we will have that change in the constitution, or we will seize upon your forts.' That is not the principle upon which this government was founded.
John Sherman: “No section and no state can, because the presidential election has gone against it, say, 'We will have this change in…”
Editor's note · Context
Sherman emphasizes the importance of constitutional principles and the rule of law in governance.
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Our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country" has been the watchword and creed of my public life.
If my life is prolonged I will do all I can to add to the strength and prosperity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits or to add new dangers by acquisition of foreign territory.
Proud of Ohio, of its history and people, willing at all times to sound its praise in the sisterhood of states, yet, according to my convictions, the United States is entitled to my allegiance, and all parts of it should receive equal care…
Though my grateful thanks are due to them and have been often expressed, yet I have felt, as they do, that my duty was to the whole country.





