John Sherman: “I am hopeful and sanguine of improving business, not that greenbacks will be so abundant, but that employment will be…”

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.

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.

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.