At one period or another every maritime power has by some solemn treaty stipulation recognized that principle, and it might have been hoped that it would come to be universally received and respected as a rule of international law.
Pierce notes that maritime powers have historically recognized the principle of neutral rights in treaties.
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In addressing to you my last annual message the occasion seems to me an appropriate one to express my congratulations, in view of the peace, greatness, and felicity which the United States now possess and enjoy.
I caused full investigation of that event to be made, and the result shows satisfactorily that complete responsibility for what occurred attaches to the Government of New Granada.
To us of this generation remains the not less noble task of maintaining and extending the national power.
The aggressive capacity of great naval powers would be thereby augmented, while the defensive ability of others would be reduced.
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