Ben Harrison: “As a suitable expression of the national appreciation of his great public services and of the general sorrow caused by…”

The law should at least have contained a provision for the continued discharge of their duties by the incumbents until the new officers were appointed and qualified.

It gives me pleasure to consummate here to-day, by the act of lifting this flag, the efforts in support of a principle to which I give my hearty support.

I believe we have reached an epoch in our development when we may successfully begin the work of carrying our share of the world's commerce upon the seas.

The law creates two new officers, whose aggregate compensation may be $12,000 per annum, without, it seems to me, a justifying necessity.