Meaning: The quote "They have stolen the public lands. They have grasped all to themselves, and by their unprincipled greed brought a crisis of unparalleled distress on forty millions of people, who have natural resources to feed, clothe and shelter the whole human race" is attributed to Denis Kearney, a prominent figure in the labor movement of the late 19th century in the United States. This quote reflects Kearney's strong stance against the unfair acquisition and exploitation of public lands by a select few, which he believed had led to widespread suffering and economic hardship for millions of people.

Denis Kearney was a key figure in the labor movement of the late 1800s, particularly in California, where he organized and advocated for the rights of working-class individuals, including immigrants, who faced harsh working conditions and economic inequality. Kearney's quote addresses the issue of land ownership and control, highlighting the injustice of a small group of individuals monopolizing resources that rightfully belong to the public.

In the late 19th century, the United States experienced rapid industrialization and expansion, accompanied by significant changes in land ownership and use. Large corporations and wealthy individuals acquired vast tracts of land, often at the expense of small farmers, laborers, and indigenous communities. This led to the concentration of land and resources in the hands of a privileged few, while many struggled to make a living and secure access to essential resources such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Kearney's use of the term "unprincipled greed" reflects his view that the powerful and wealthy individuals who controlled the public lands did so without regard for ethical or moral considerations. Instead, their pursuit of profit and self-interest led to a situation where the vast natural resources available to the population were exploited for the benefit of a privileged minority, exacerbating the suffering and distress of the broader population.

The reference to "forty millions of people" in the quote alludes to the significant number of individuals who were impacted by the unequal distribution of land and resources. Kearney's message is one of solidarity with the masses who were experiencing economic hardship and deprivation as a result of the actions of a powerful elite. His assertion that the natural resources available to the population could "feed, clothe and shelter the whole human race" underscores the abundance of resources that existed, and the injustice of their monopolization by a select few.

Kearney's words resonate with broader themes of social and economic inequality, exploitation, and the struggle for justice and fairness. His advocacy for the rights of working-class individuals and his condemnation of the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a privileged few reflect the sentiments of many who sought to challenge the prevailing power structures and advocate for a more equitable society.

In conclusion, Denis Kearney's quote encapsulates his impassioned critique of the unfair acquisition and exploitation of public lands by a select few, which he believed had led to widespread suffering and economic distress for millions of people. His words reflect the broader struggle for social and economic justice during a time of significant change and upheaval in the United States, and they continue to resonate as a powerful statement against the unprincipled greed and injustices of concentrated wealth and power.