the acquisitions of foreign territory in the history of the United States, as will appear from the following:
| Date. | Period. | |
| Final Treaty of Paris | 1783 | |
| Acquisition of Louisiana | 1803 | 30 years |
| Acquisition of Florida and Oregon | 1821 | 18 years |
| Acquisition of Texas | 1845 | 24 years |
| Acquisition of Mexican Cessions | 1848 | 3 years |
| Acquisition of Gadsden Purchase | 1853 | 5 years |
| Acquisition of Alaska | 1867 | 14 years |
| Acquisition of Hawaii, etc. | 1898 | 31 years |
| Total | 115 years |
3. The Spanish war differs from all our wars, since the Revolution, in its inception and in its effects. All our other wars have been conceived in sectional policy, and have produced the effect of alienating the sections. The Spanish war was inspired by the spontaneous outburst of patriotism of a reunited people. No voice of sectional strife was heard, and no sectional advantage was sought. Its effects have been happy in restoring confidence and cordiality between the sections.
4. The acquisitions of 1898 mark the adoption by all sections of the beneficent policy of expansion so early instituted and so persistently pursued by the South, and at one time so violently opposed by other sections. The great object lesson has been learned. The success of our territorial policy, the prosperity and grandeur which our acquired territory has brought to the United States, have demonstrated the wisdom of the policy of expansion, and have allayed all apprehensions founded upon sectional jealousy. Whatever opposition is now offered is free from sectional rancor and is based on broad, national grounds.
5. The Spanish war has furnished to the people of the South the opportunity to demonstrate to all the other sections, and to the world, that they have always loved the Union as it was established by their fathers, and that they are as ready now to fight its battles as their fathers were in the early days of its history, when Southern influence dominated its policy, and Southern men directed its destinies and expanded its territory.
