On the record
As a part of this cession and settlement, and almost equal in importance to the constitution of the United States, was the celebrated ordinance organizing the northwestern territory.
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gutenberg.orgJohn Sherman: “As a part of this cession and settlement, and almost equal in importance to the constitution of the United States, was…”
Editor's note · Context
Sherman highlights the importance of the ordinance organizing the Northwest Territory as a key element of U.S. governance.
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More from John Sherman
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.
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.
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.
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