Ulysses S. Grant: “Hence the education of the masses becomes of the first necessity for the preservation of our institutions.”

I do not present these views now as a recommendation for a renewal of the subject of annexation, but I do refer to it to vindicate my previous action in regard to it.

Under the present system there seems to be no provided remedy for contesting the election in any one State.

The compulsory support of the free school and the disfranchisement of all who can not read and write the English language, after a fixed probation, would meet my hearty approval.

It is not probable that public affairs will ever again receive attention from me further than as a citizen of the Republic, always taking a deep interest in the honor, integrity, and prosperity of the whole land.