US Presidency
1870

In his message to the two Houses of Congress at the commencement of the present session the President, following the teachings of all our history, said that the existing dependencies are no longer regarded as subject to transfer from one European power to another. When the present relation of colonies ceases, they are to become independent powers, exercising the right of choice and of self control in the determination of their future condition and relations with other powers. This policy is not a policy of aggression; but it opposes the creation of European dominion on American soil, or its transfer to other European powers, and it looks hopefully to the time when, by the voluntary departure of European Governments from this continent and the adjacent islands, America shall be wholly American.