France has a fine country, an industrious people, an admirable position.

The French navy has known periods of great glory, and in its lowest estate has never dishonored the military reputation so dear to the nation.

Yet as a maritime State, securely resting upon a broad basis of sea commerce, France, as compared with other historical sea-peoples, has never held more than a respectable position.

The chief reason for this, so far as national character goes, is the way in which wealth is sought.

As Spain and Portugal sought it by digging gold out of the ground, the temper of the French people leads them to seek it by thrift, economy, hoarding.