Ben Harrison: “I believe we have come to a time when we may look out to greater things.”

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.

As these vacancies could not be filled immediately, the business of the courts would seriously suffer.

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.

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.