284 SPEECH OP 



materials he had collected along our coast during the past summer , 

 and it would be a most singular position to assume, that, although 

 we could require him to survey and note all the reefs and islands 

 within sight, or within one hundred miles of our coast, because the 

 commerce of the country was carried on through this space, yet 

 we could not send him, for the same purpose, to another part of 

 the ocean, equally occupied by the public armed and private 

 merchant vessels of the United States. The ocean was the com- 

 mon property of all nations ; and each had an equal right to navi- 

 gate its waters. Every part of the ocean was within our jurisdic- 

 tion ; and we had the same authority to make surveys in the South 

 Seas, that we had to make them along our own coast. Wherever 

 the commerce of the country now exists, or is likely to be extended, 

 we have the right to send protection and information. It is for these 

 purposes that we annually send vessels and squadrons into the 

 Mediterranean and other seas, bearing the national colours, and 

 demanding national respect. How, then, could a distinction be 

 drawn between this case, and one which limits the surveys to our 

 own shores ? Such a position was wholly indefensible ; and he 

 would dismiss this branch of the subject without any further 

 remarks. 



" If we had the power, then, to send out the expedition, let us 

 inquire if it be expedient to do so. Who is to be benefited by it ? 

 What portion of the country desires it ? If the interest of any 

 considerable class of individuals require it ; or if it be necessary to 

 any considerable portion of our common country, having the power 

 and the means to accomplish it ; we ought to do it without hesita- 

 tion. We owe protection to all classes of our citizens, and to 

 every part of our country ; and this protection should be afforded, 

 not only freely and impartially, but it should be extended to each 

 one according to his own peculiar wants and condition. 



" He did not believe with some gentlemen, that one great object 

 of an American statesman was to get as much money as possible 



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