Political Quotes

“this year the United States celebrates this very significant anniversary, the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. In my home State of Louisiana in particular, but really all across the country, celebrations are taking place throughout this year in honor of the role this historic event played in our Nation's history. When President Jefferson designated Robert Livingston and James Monroe to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase treaty with Napoleon Bonaparte, he hoped to secure for the country the Port of New Orleans and guarantee access to the important trade route along the Mississippi River. Of course, he did accomplish that; but he accomplished so much more than even that, doubling the size of the new country. The whole territory stretched from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and included all or part of what are now 15 States; and, of course, it enabled further westward expansion by later settlers. It is noteworthy of course that this largest land transaction in our country's history was accomplished without the use of force, which was certainly in stark contrast to similar land transactions of earlier countries and empires. The Louisiana Purchase has been call the greatest land deal in history, as was mentioned, 600 million acres for $15 million or about 4 cents an acre.”