It required a sea voyage to reach it, and was upon a continent which Russia does not aspire to control.

It had no strategic importance in the Muscovite policy, and was better out of the empire than in it.
The purchase by ourselves may or may not prove a financial success.
Thus far its developments have not been promising.

When the country has been thoroughly examined, it is possible we may find stores of now unknown wealth.

Politically the acquisition is more important.

The possession of a large part of the Pacific coast, indented with many bays and harbors, is a matter of moment in view of our national ambition.