Ben Harrison: “I have neither the strength nor the voice adequate to any extended speech to-day.”

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.

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.

A serious question would be raised as to whether these officers were not at once legislated out of office and vacancies created.

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.