"Mr. Tyler acquired Texas by voluntary compact, and Mr. Polk California and New Mexico by successful war"

This quote by Robert Toombs is referring to the growth of the United States in the 19th century. Mr. Tyler was the President of the United States at the time and he obtained Texas by a voluntary compact, meaning that Texas accepted become part of the United States. Mr. Polk was the President after Mr. Tyler and he obtained California and New Mexico by successful war. This means that the United States won a war versus Mexico and as an outcome, California and New Mexico entered into the United States. This quote is a testimony to the expansion of the United States in the 19th century and the success of the two Presidents in attaining this. It likewise highlights the significance of war in the expansion of the United States, as well as the importance of voluntary compacts at the same time.