Quote by Daniel Webster
The Senator says the territory of California is three times greater than the average extent of the new States of the Union. Well, Sir, suppose it is. We all know that it has more than three times as many mountains, inaccessible and rocky hills, and sandy wastes, as are possessed by any State of the Union. But how much is there of useful land? how much that may be made to contribute to the support of man and of society? These ought to be the questions. Well, with respect to that, I am sure that everybody has become satisfied that, although California may have a very great sea-board, and a large city or two, yet that the agricultural products of the whole surface now are not, and never will be, equal to one half part of those of the State of Illinois; no, nor yet a fourth, or perhaps a tenth part.
Summary
In this quote, the speaker challenges the notion that California's large territory automatically equates to abundant and valuable land. They argue that it is misguided to focus solely on the geographic size of a state, highlighting instead the importance of examining the amount of land that is actually conducive to supporting human life and society. The speaker contends that despite California's sizable coastal area and major cities, its agricultural productivity is significantly lower than that of Illinois, emphasizing that the quantity and quality of useful land should be the primary concern.
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
