Almost every one of the original colonies was on the sea or on one of its great tributaries.

All export and import tended toward one coast.

Interest in the sea and an intelligent appreciation of the part it played in the public welfare were easily and widely spread; and a motive more influential than care for the public interest was also active, for the abundance of ship-building materials and a relative fewness of other investments made shipping a profitable private interest.

How changed the present condition is, all know.

The centre of power is no longer on the seaboard.