Is it commerce? As a strictly home question, what can rival it in importance? But it is no longer a question of lim itations. Our products and wares are crying out in their uni versal triumph for our vessels, our merchantmen, our flag. Our isolation on the seas is no longer tolerable. Dependence on foreign bottoms is weakness and helplessness, especially in time of crisis or war. Study of foreign and successful com merciai systems has become the highest duty of statecraft and organized institutions. A merchant marine, compatible with the rapidly growing needs of export, and of our proper place amid enterprising and prosperous maritime nations, is a press ing necessity of the new historical era.

Thus it is seen how each of the momentous problems that have, in their season, agitated us as a home people, have taken on new form and meaning, have expanded from local to uni versal proportions, have come to demand a concernment and study far deeper and more impressive than when they were problems of limitations. Verily, the United States has, in re spect of its internal industries and resources, entered upon a new and loftier historic career.

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