"Mutual forbearance and reciprocal concessions: thro' their agency the Union was established - the patriotic spirit from which they emanated will forever sustain it"

This quote by Martin Van Buren talks to the value of compromise and understanding in order to preserve a strong union. He is suggesting that the Union was developed through mutual forbearance and reciprocal concessions, indicating that both sides had to be willing to exchange in order to reach a contract. He is likewise recommending that the same spirit of compromise and understanding that was present when the Union was established will be required to sustain it in the future. This quote speaks with the significance of compromise and understanding in order to maintain a strong union. It is a suggestion that the Union was constructed on the foundation of shared respect and understanding, and that it will only stay strong if those exact same worths are maintained. It is a call to action for all citizens to keep in mind the spirit of compromise and understanding that existed when the Union was established, and to continue to practice it in order to ensure the Union's longevity.