John Sherman: “I did, at Nashville, speak hopefully, and I feel hopefully, of the future, but it is only upon the basis of the…”

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.

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…

The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.

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.