Mexico into our union. It is not that

I distrust the wisdom of our representative

principle, but that I fear its forced

and premature application to a people which

can neither understand nor obey it.

The masses of Europe enlightened

by our example are already requiring

an extension of their privileges. This is the

just effect of our past moderation and

it will continue as long as we make

our ambition consist in improving what

we have and not in a desire to

become greater by conquest. As long

as we point to our moral improvement

as the standard of our national glory,

crowned heads will give up their pretexts