Compromise makes a good umbrella, but a poor roof; it is temporary expedient, often wise in party politics, almost sure to be unwise in statesmanship.

Summary

This quote suggests that compromise, while useful in certain situations such as party politics, should be approached with caution in statesmanship. Compromise may provide a temporary solution or a quick fix, similar to how an umbrella provides temporary shelter from the rain. However, relying on compromise alone to address complex issues, like building a proper roof, can lead to unwise decisions. Statesmanship requires long-term vision and the ability to find sustainable solutions, often going beyond compromise to ensure the well-being of the state and its citizens.