Benjamin Harrison actually said...

"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."

"That event is interesting in itself, but its interest to me is in the fact that this ship is the type and precursor of many others."

"I have felt as a citizen and as President a mortification which every American must feel who examines into the standing of the United States in the merchant marine of the world."