John Sherman: “Let them spread the influence of our republican institutions north and south, until the whole continent of America shall…”

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

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.

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.

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.