Such a route along our coast would be of great value
at all times, and of inestimable value in case of a foreign war. Nature
has provided the greater part of this route, and the obstacles to
overcome are easily within the skill of the engineer.
I have not alluded to this subject with the view of having any further
expenditure of public money at this time than may be necessary to
procure and place all the necessary information before Congress in an
authentic form, to enable it hereafter, if deemed practicable and
worthy, to legislate on the subject without delay.
NAVY DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy herewith accompanying explains
fully the condition of that branch of the public service, its wants and
deficiencies, expenses incurred during the past year, and appropriations
for the same. It also gives a complete history of the services of the
Navy for the past year in addition to its regular service.
It is evident that unless early steps are taken to preserve our Navy in
a very few years the United States will be the weakest nation upon the
ocean, of all great powers. With an energetic, progressive, business
people like ours, penetrating and forming business relations with every
part of the known world, a navy strong enough to command the respect of
our flag abroad is necessary for the full protection of their rights.
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