John Sherman: “He had taken an active part in defeating the corruption of Tweed in New York politics.”

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.

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.

The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.