"It is true, indeed, that the national domain is ours. It is true it was acquired by the valor and with the wealth of the whole nation. But we hold, nevertheless, no arbitrary power over it"

This quote by William H. Seward talks to the idea that the national domain of the United States is owned by the entire country, not simply by the federal government. He acknowledges that the land was obtained through the valor and wealth of the country, but he also highlights that the federal government does not have an approximate power over it. This suggests that the federal government needs to not be able to make choices about the land without speaking with the people of the nation. Seward is highlighting the importance of the people's voice in the decision-making process and the requirement for the government to be accountable to individuals. He is likewise highlighting the value of the country's cumulative ownership of the land and the requirement to safeguard it for future generations. This quote speaks with the concept of democracy and the importance of the people's voice in the decision-making process.