John Sherman: “The advocates of a strict construction of the constitution voted for it in spite of their theories.”

The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.

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

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.

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.