I do not hesitate to say that the limitation on naval craft between the great naval powers was too high.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
There are but few naval powers, but there are many land powers.
In my opinion, any navy less than that which would give us the habitual command of our own coast and seas would be little short of useless.
I am impressed with the belief that our naval force ought not to cost more in proportion than the British. In some things they may have the advantage, but we will be found to have equally great in others.
Even a superpower has limits.
Nations, great nations have limitations. All nations have limitations. Even great powers have limitations.
It was both necessary and desirable for us to be so strong at sea that no Sea Power could attack us without risk, so that we might be free to protect our oversea interests, independently of the influence and the choice of other Sea Powers.
Destroyers did not have chaplains because they were too small.
The Constitution was about a limitation on power.
It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.
No nation ought to keep a navy larger than is necessary to do police duty.