The inconsistency of Jefferson’s principles and practice was a target which could be hit by the most inexperienced marksman, but Randolph struck it with something more solid than an epigram when he discussed its expense. “Against the administration of Mr. Adams,” he said, “I, in common with many others, did and do yet entertain a sentiment of hostility, and have repeatedly cried out against it for extravagance and for profusion and for waste--wanton waste--of the public resources. I find, however, upon consideration,--whether from the nature of men, or from the nature of things, or from whatever other cause,--that that Administration, grossly extravagant as I did then and still do believe it to have been, if tried by the criterion of the succeeding one, was a pattern of retrenchment and economy.” In order to prove this charge he attacked Robert Smith’s administration of the navy, asserting that while in 1800 each seaman cost about four hundred and seventy-two dollars a year, in 1808 each seaman cost nearly nine hundred dollars a year; and that the same excess existed in regard to officers, marines, clothing, and provisions:-- “Yes, sir! we have economized until we absolutely have reduced the annual cost of a seaman from $472--as it was under the very wasteful expenditure of Mr. Adams’s administration--down to the moderate sum of $887. We have economized until a paltry fleet consisting of vessels built to our hand, to say nothing of those that have been sold, and the warlike stores of which have been retained and preserved,--which fleet was built, equipped, and every cannon and implement of war purchased under the old Administration,--has cost us twelve million dollars, when it cost the preceding Administration but nine millions.” Only one member replied on behalf of the Government to these criticisms. Burwell Bassett of the naval committee ventured somewhat timidly to defend, not so much Robert Smith as Secretary Hamilton, who, he said, had reduced expenses at the navy-yard about one third. Most of the frigates had been so thoroughly repaired as to be more valuable than when first built. In the navy-yard itself everything was in good condition and well conducted. Bassett’s testimony hardly met Randolph’s charges, but the House sustained him on every point; and Boyd of New Jersey so far forgot the respect due to a former vote, in which the House had resolved by a majority of two to one that the army and navy ought to be reduced, as to say that never since the government was formed had so preposterous a proposition been offered. The end of the session arrived before the discussion ceased.