Typed Letter Signed By Woodrow Wilson During His Presidency Of Princeton University On The Importance Of The Merchant Marines: They Have Interested Me Very Much And Instructed Me Not A Little

WOODROW WILSON (1856-1924). Wilson served as President from 1913 to 1921.TLS. 1 pg. 8 x 10. January 31, 1910. Princeton, N.J. A typed letter signed Woodrow Wilson as President of Princeton University to Mr. Lewis Nixon: I have read with real interest the two pamphlets you were kind enough to send me, containing your address on the question of the Merchant Marine. They have interested me very much and instructed me not a little. In 1910, Wilson was nominated and elected to be Governor New Jersey, and within three years he was elected President of the United States. As President during World War I, Wilson would advocate for an expansion of the United States Merchant Marine in his 1914 State of the Union address: To speak plainly we have grossly erred in the way in which we have stunted and hindered the development of our merchant marine It is necessary for many weighty reasons of national efficiency and development that we should have a great merchant marine. This is an idea he perhaps received from Lewis Nixon (1861-1940), a well-respected naval architect, building executive, and Democratic political activist who frequently spoke on the importance of America increasing its naval power. Americas entry into World War I was in large part over Germanys policy of unrestricted submarine warfare against American merchant ships. Wilson also signed the 1915 Seamens Act, the Magna Carta of American sailors' rights. In someone elses hand, probably a previous owner, is the handwritten note, President of Princeton University President of the United States. The letter is on the official stationery of the PRESIDENTS ROOM at Princeton. It is in very condition with trimmed margins, toning and a dark autograph.