This can only be done by
possessing a respectable body of citizen-seamen, and of artists and
establishments in readiness for ship-building.
Were the ocean, which is the common property of all, open to
the industry of all, so that every person and vessel should be free
to take employment wherever it could be found, the United States
would certainly not set the example of appropriating to themselves,
exclusively, any portion of the common stock of occupation. They
would rely on the enterprise and activity of their citizens for a due
participation of the benefits of the seafaring business, and for
keeping the marine class of citizens equal to their object. But if
particular nations grasp at undue shares, and, more especially, if
they seize on the means of the United States, to convert them into
aliment for their own strength, and withdraw them entirely from the
support of those to whom they belong, defensive and protecting
measures become necessary on the part of the nation whose marine
resources are thus invaded; or it will be disarmed of its defence;
its productions will lie at the mercy of the nation which has
possessed itself exclusively of the means of carrying them, and its
politics may be influenced by those who command its commerce.
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