It is now conceded on all hands that, under our system of government, we cannot by external force manage or interfere with the local affairs of a state or community, unless the authorities of the state call for aid to resist domestic violence.
Sherman asserts the limitations of federal intervention in state affairs, highlighting the importance of local governance.
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The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.
Our family of states is already large enough to create embarrassment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions.
It was settled by this war that we have a country limited in its powers by the constitution of the United States fairly construed.
The events of the future are beyond the vision of mankind, but I hope our people will be content with internal growth, and avoid the complications of foreign acquisitions.
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