What was the purpose of the Government acquiring any territory? Those who have argued that Alaska was a great coal bin. woodpile. gold or copper mine. and that it belonged to the people of the United States to enrich them are far afield from the true reason for developing Alaska. When the United States acquires dominion over any extensive tracts of territory. the duty devolves upon it not so much to exploit the natural resources for the benefit of the people of the States as to build there a civilization. to induce immigration and settlement of the people to that territory. in order that homes may spring up [applause] and that that territory may contribute to the general strength and happiness of the whole Union. Let us take this argument of Government ownership of railroads that is advanced here. What does it amount to?
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immigration