"We had long been doing business with Britain and Russia, but there isn't much profit in trading with them. The Russians are too poor, and The British are too slippery!
Can't you say something useful?"
William Hill merely smiled politely.
"Who said I wanted to keep expanding trade with Britain and Russia? I'm saying America should follow Heaven and obey its mandate!"
"Follow Heaven and obey its mandate?"
Everyone was somewhat puzzled.
William Hill continued with great composure.
"That's right! The Americas should belong to Americans! Canada is unguarded at the moment—we should seize the opportunity and bring it into America's embrace!"
A buzzing wave of discussion immediately erupted in Parliament Hall.
Some applauded him, for the theory of destiny ordained by Heaven had long since taken root in people's hearts.
But there were even more voices of opposition. After all, America's expansion had not gone very smoothly in recent years.
Congressman Lincoln rose to his feet and sternly rebuked him.
"You are advocating war! The question of slavery is tearing our country apart, and yet you want us to plunge into another conflict with The British at a time like this?
Was the lesson of 1812 not enough?"
In 1812, America had tried to seize Canada while Britain was fighting the French on the European continent, only for Canadian militia to set the White House ablaze.
"Mr. Lincoln, Britain today is no longer the Britain of old. Its myth of invincibility was shattered years ago, and it is mired in an economic crisis.
And we are no longer the America of the past! America is like the sun at seven or eight in the morning! Britain is like yesterday's faded flowers!
This time, we will surely win!"
William Hill's words stirred the memories of the Mandate of Heaven Party.