The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-21
SHIPS FOR OUR FLAG!
A Patriotic View or tho Restoration or Ole
Glory to the seas.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: A policy
that will aid in building ships and in maintain
ing naval shipyards is q wise and patriotic plan
OF state. To SEQ the Stars and Stripes waving
from the taflrail flagstaff OF an understandable
steamer stirs the feeling of n lover of this coun.
try of hope AMI liberty. To think that tho cargo
may be traced to nearly every State ami Terri
tory, and that it represents the work and genius
OF u peaceful. hoine-loving people. causes one to
pause and express admiration of the energy. in.
dustry, and progress of this great commercial
nation. The question of American independence
on tho seas is as important to the pcollo of tho
Mississippi Valley as it is to the pcorlc o: tho
Atlantic scaboard and of the Pacific coast. Tho
merchant steamer is q trade winner. The wal
ship is a trade protector.
How vital q subject this question is to TO
American peon!e may be appreciated by q rlaaco
at a map showing the thousands of miles Of
American seacoast and the cities on or near tho
coast. with their stores of wealth inviting at
tack and conquest. AS an illustration, let rs
never forget the torch bearers and the wanton
vandals who destroyed the city OF Washington
in 1914. 1t should be a constant reminder. In
the course OF q few hours nothing was loft OF
many superb buildings but their blackencd
walls. What happened once may happen again.
The strong naval stations at Halifax. Bermuda,
st. Lucia. Esquimalt and Jamaica bear n sig.
~niflcant suggestion of its repetition.
The duty of the hour is to cultivate friendly
relations with all foreign powers and to keep
friendly. The people of the United States and
England are too nearly alike in history and lit
erature TO he natural enemies. But tho com.
mcrcial and financial rulers of England, by q
Revolution and again in our civil war. may
into n position of unnatural hostility.
The american people should hnvG a fiSed and
united for ships ana the Stars and Stripes ON
the high seas. Present an unbrokcn front.
This is not a question OF party politics. Re-
member that American pays an an.
nual toll of about $500. 0oo.0 0 TO foreign bot:
or its equivalent. It is a stendy drain on our
wealth. a pipe in the Treasury vaults drawing
the seas disastrously affects our commercial
and fnancial. standing. This subject appeals to
the banker. the. merchant, the farmer. The me
chanic; and to the Inc mighty energy OF abor That
enG sS out and Coming nGo back St as a ni foreign ias'e mort Z.
gage on the industry and enterprise OF a peace
fu W and P p EngIsnd P tIGp @,s,re,, o, Tho seas,
cause she has followed for years consistently
and steadily n policy having for its object tho
future glory. grandeur; and greatness, OF Eng.
lish commerce, OF English finance. and of the
Let US be liberal with the merchant marine
and pursue a generous and an upbuilHing policy.
America. and as the banking business follows
affairs with the sister republics of tho south
without employing London, as a clearing house
and the red flag of England as. n protector.
How beautiful our flag looks gayly showing
its colors! How we enjoy watching its waving
folds as 1t responds 10 the breeze! In the village
and In the CITY. in the valley and on the noun
tain top i Is n welcome sight, teaching patriot
ism. This is a home picture.
In the distant ports of foreign lands an Amer
lean has Como for business or pleasure. The
ships entering the ports fly strange flags. The
American is not inspired by the sight Of Old
Glory II does not appear TO cheer and com-
fort with the thoughts OF home. 1t Is almost
unknown 10 the people residing there. What
an indictment of our national Policyl Ameri:
praise but everything to condemn.
CHARLES 8. SMINCK.
NORTH PLAINFIEID, n. j., Jan. 10.