But it was not until seven years later that he found the chance to win
the government to his views. One evening, while the matter was under
discussion between the two countries, the Russian minister called upon
Mr. Seward at his home, to inform him that he had just received the
Czar's sanction for the sale.
"Good, we will sign the treaty to-night," said the American statesman.
"What, so late as this, and your department closed, your clerks
scattered?" remonstrated the Russian.
"It can be done," replied Mr. Seward; and it was. At midnight the treaty
was signed. The price paid for Alaska was less than the cost of two of
our modern battleships. Every year has proved more and more the wisdom
of the purchase. The discovery of gold in particular has immensely
increased its value and has brought to California an enlarged commerce.
Spanish-American War
In 1898 came the war with Spain. The tidings of the 15th of February,
1898, filled the hearts of the people of California with indignation and
grief. That the United States battleship Maine had been blown up in
Havana harbor and numbers of our seamen killed, seemed to many
sufficient cause for immediate war.
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