Each has its own sphere of action, and each will contribute, in its own way, to the national defence; and any undue increase of one, at the expense of the other, will be attended by a corresponding diminution of national power.[25] [Footnote 25: For further information concerning our system of sea-coast defences, the reader is referred to House Doc.

206, twenty-sixth Congress, second session; Senate Doc.

85, twenty-eighth Congress, second session; and to the annual reports of the Chief Engineer.].