From the Earth to the Moon · Chapter
Florida and Texas explained
The Gun Club debates the location for the Columbiad, with J.T.
What happens
The Gun Club debates the location for the Columbiad, with J.T. Maston initially calling for war against Mexico to secure territory. Barbicane reveals that southern Texas and Florida already lie within the required 28th parallel. A fierce rivalry erupts between the two states, with deputies flooding Baltimore and newspapers taking sides. After a heated dispute, Barbicane decides in favor of Tampa Town, Florida, because it has only one suitable city, avoiding further inter-city rivalries. The Texican deputies are forcibly removed from Baltimore.
Themes in this chapter
Nationalism and American Exceptionalism
Maston insists the cannon must be on U.S. soil, and the debate frames the project as a matter of national pride and glory.
Conflict and Rivalry
The intense competition between Texas and Florida, including newspaper wars and threats of violence, exemplifies the theme of rivalry.
Public Enthusiasm and Media Hype
Newspapers like the New York Herald and the American Review fuel the state rivalry, showing widespread public engagement.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
President of the Gun Club; proposes using existing U.S. territory and ultimately decides on Tampa Town, Florida, to avoid further rivalry.
- J. T. Maston
Vehemently argues for declaring war on Mexico to secure territory, but is convinced by Barbicane's map showing suitable U.S. land.
Key passages
“If seven towns of Greece contended for the honour of being Homer's birthplace, two entire states threatened to fight over a cannon.”
Just as ancient Greek cities once competed for the glory of claiming Homer, now two American states are ready to battle for the privilege of hosting this cannon.
Highlights the absurdity and intensity of the rivalry.
“Very well! let it be blown up! answered the Floridians with a laconism worthy of ancient times.”
The Floridians replied with a terse, defiant remark, reminiscent of ancient Spartan brevity: 'Let it be blown up!'
Shows the Floridians' unwavering resolve despite Texas's taunts.