Speech #630194166

Not one cent is received directly in return for this great expenditure. though the benefits are distributed equally to tile ships of all nations. But who can doubt the wisdom of those who have made our coasts and ou] harbors the safest in the world. thus tempting to our shorea the conmmerce of all nations. with its final financial results? "It may be. and doubtless will be. held by many that our coast lights are established and operated to prevent shipwrecks and avoid the loss of life and property. This is undoubtedly o0e of the reasons for their present efficient condition. and the safety of our coasting trade is another. but a very much more practical and businesslike reason will be apparent from a glaice at the long lines of foreign vessels that daily pass to and from our seacoast cities. bringing to us the raw material from which we produce everything. from immigrants who are to become Senators and Representatives to the shoes worn by half the population of some foreign countries. It is in this sale of nmufactured goods made possible and profitable by the imIortation of the finished products of our miills that our expenditure of so much money to aid the commerce of the world is justified. That this has been one of the factors in giving us our present position among the leading nations can not be doubted. "This once admitted. what stands in the way of conferring another great benefit on those who follow the sea by declaring a dividend oil the good will and charity of the United States by making the Panama Canal a free waterway to the commlerce of the world and depending oil tile results to follow to our citizens for our compensation?" Mr.