4816. LOUISIANA, Expansion and.—
I
know that the acquisition of Louisiana has
been disapproved by some, from a candid apprehension
that the enlargement of our territory
would endanger its Union. But who can
limit the extent to which the federative principle
may operate effectively? The larger our
association, the less will it be shaken by local
passions; and, in any view, is it not better that
the opposite bank of the Mississippi should
be settled by our own brethren and children,
than by strangers of another family? With
which shall we be most likely to live in harmony
and friendly intercourse?—
Second Inaugural Address. Washington ed. viii, 41.
Ford ed., viii, 344.
(1805)
See Territory.
