John Sherman: “All causes combining created a deceptive prosperity that could end only in one way.”

The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.

Canada and Mexico as independent republics will be more valuable to the United States than if carved into additional states.

Our family of states is already large enough to create embarrassment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions.

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.