example of States Rights. Each of the maritime provinces had its own
fleet and its own admiralty, with consequent jealousies. This
disorganizing tendency was partly counteracted by the great
preponderance of the Province of Holland, which alone contributed five
sixths of the fleet and fifty-eight per cent of the taxes, and
consequently had a proportionate share in directing the national
policy. Although intensely patriotic, and capable of making the last
sacrifices for freedom, the commercial spirit of the people penetrated
the government, which indeed might be called a commercial aristocracy,
and made it averse to war, and to the expenditures which are necessary
in preparing for war. As has before been said, it was not until danger
stared them in the face that the burgomasters were willing to pay for
their defences. While the republican government lasted, however, this
economy was practised least of all upon the fleet; and until the death
of John De Witt, in 1612, and the peace with England in 1674, the
Dutch navy was in point of numbers and equipment able to make a fair
show against the combined navies of England and France. Its efficiency
at this time undoubtedly saved the country from the destruction
planned by the two kings. With De Witt's death the republic passed
away, and was followed by the practically monarchical government of
William of Orange. The life-long policy of this prince, then only
eighteen, was resistance to Louis XIV. and to the extension of French
power. This resistance took shape upon the land rather than the sea,--
a tendency promoted by England's withdrawal from the war. As early as
1676, Admiral De Ruyter found the force given him unequal to cope with
the French alone. With the eyes of the government fixed on the land
frontier, the navy rapidly declined. In 1688, when William of Orange
needed a fleet to convoy him to England, the burgomasters of Amsterdam
objected that the navy was incalculably decreased in strength, as well
as deprived of its ablest commanders. When king of England, William