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Editorial
October 9, 1889
New Ulm Weekly Review
New Ulm, Brown County, Minnesota
What is this article about?
Editorial praises Secretary Windom for displaying American flags on public buildings and urges repeal of navigation laws that bar foreign-built American-owned ships from flying the U.S. flag, arguing it disgraces the nation and fails to protect shipbuilding.
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Secretary Windom was commended when he ordered the stars and stripes to float from every public building and the decision met with popular favor.
If he still has a desire to add to his laurels we would advise him to strain himself a little in an effort to have the American flag appear on the mast of every American vessel. At present, though we regret to admit it, this is not the case as there are provisions in our navigation laws which prevent any foreign built ship owned by Americans from carrying American colors. Such laws are objectionable, to say the least, and we speak unhesitatingly for their repeal. They may involve the idea of protection and may have been formulated on the grounds that they would encourage American ship building, but in these days, when money with the rich rules above patriotism, it seems a very ineffectual method of supporting home industries. The great Atlantic steamship lines have but little concern as to the character of the flag they float and in purchasing their ships they do not hesitate between a foreign and an American built vessel because of this feature of our laws. It is the cost and grade that determine then, and if Congress is anxious to protect American ship building she must do it in some other way.
From the present order of things we get only disgrace on the seas and no benefits at home. The law should therefore be repealed and the American flag be made to float from every vessel owned by Americans, whether it be foreign built or not.
If he still has a desire to add to his laurels we would advise him to strain himself a little in an effort to have the American flag appear on the mast of every American vessel. At present, though we regret to admit it, this is not the case as there are provisions in our navigation laws which prevent any foreign built ship owned by Americans from carrying American colors. Such laws are objectionable, to say the least, and we speak unhesitatingly for their repeal. They may involve the idea of protection and may have been formulated on the grounds that they would encourage American ship building, but in these days, when money with the rich rules above patriotism, it seems a very ineffectual method of supporting home industries. The great Atlantic steamship lines have but little concern as to the character of the flag they float and in purchasing their ships they do not hesitate between a foreign and an American built vessel because of this feature of our laws. It is the cost and grade that determine then, and if Congress is anxious to protect American ship building she must do it in some other way.
From the present order of things we get only disgrace on the seas and no benefits at home. The law should therefore be repealed and the American flag be made to float from every vessel owned by Americans, whether it be foreign built or not.
What sub-type of article is it?
Trade Or Commerce
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Navigation Laws
American Flag
Foreign Built Ships
Ship Building
Atlantic Steamship Lines
What entities or persons were involved?
Secretary Windom
Congress
Atlantic Steamship Lines
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Repeal Of Navigation Laws Restricting American Flags On Foreign Built Ships
Stance / Tone
Advocacy For Repeal To Promote American Flag On All U.S. Owned Vessels
Key Figures
Secretary Windom
Congress
Atlantic Steamship Lines
Key Arguments
Navigation Laws Prevent Foreign Built American Owned Ships From Flying U.S. Flag
Such Laws Are Objectionable And Should Be Repealed
They Fail To Encourage American Shipbuilding As Cost Overrides Patriotism
Steamship Lines Prioritize Cost Over Flag Origin
Repeal Would End Disgrace On Seas Without Harming Home Industries