Franklin Pierce: “In view of this fact and of the acknowledged wisdom of the policy of a gradual and systematic increase of the Navy an…”

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.

We can afford to wait, but we can not afford to overlook the ark of our security.

The heavy expense, the great delay, and, at times, fatality attending travel by either of the Isthmus routes have demonstrated the advantage which would result from interterritorial communication by such safe and rapid means as a railroad…

Though the naval disparity would be less, the greater extent and more exposed condition of our widespread commerce would give any of them a like advantage over us.