John Sherman: “We must forego, for the present, new conquests, unless the love of acquisition is stronger than the love of domestic…”

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.

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

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.

The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.