for oppression. But the moment it can

be alleged with truth that our ambition

has the weakness of other systems, the influence

of our past history will be weakened, and

Europe will say that our Republicanism

is an accident, the result of material

and not of permanent moral causes.

Such considerations will compel

me to reject the annexation of Mexico

if it were offered to us as a gift,

without war, and much more if it be

proved that we cannot obtain the

consent of the inhabitants.

But you may say, is Mexico

to be allowed to kill and plunder us

with impunity. Certainly she is not.