Unless the object was obtained, the money would not be expended.
Another mode of giving security to their commerce, preferable to the plan in the bill, was to purchase the protection of foreign powers.
This might be acquired at a less expense than would be incurred in fitting out the proposed armament, and its utility would be immediate.
But the measure was also to be considered as the commencement of a permanent navy.

The question which this view of it presented, was one of the most important that could engage the consideration of the house.

The adoption of the principle would involve a complete dereliction of the policy of discharging the public debt.

History afforded no instance of a nation which continued to increase its navy, and at the same time to decrease its debt.
To the expensiveness of the navy system were ascribed the oppression under which the people of England groaned, the overthrow of the French monarchy, and the dangers which threatened that of Great Britain.

The expensiveness of the government was the true ground of the oppression of the people.