President Grant in his second inaugural address, March 4, 1873, thus
expressed himself: “I do not share in the apprehension held by many as
to the danger of governments becoming weakened and destroyed by reason
of their extension of territory. Commerce, education and rapid transit
of thought and matter by telegraph and steam have changed all this.
Rather, I believe that our Great Maker is preparing the world, in his
own good way to become one nation, speaking one language, and when
armies and navies will no longer be required.”