River travel

One of the pleasant advantages of being located on the mighty Mississippi River is the opportunity to see, on a fairly regular basis, a bit of river history in the form of visits by one of the most venerable passenger riverboats anywhere, the Delta Queen.

The Delta Queen's days of carrying sightseeing passengers along the nation's major inland waterways are in peril because of government rules. The Safety at Sea Act of 1966 prohibits overnight excursion boats made of wood. The Delta Queen, a wood boat that has been carrying passengers since 1927, has received several exemptions over the years. The latest exemption expired Oct. 31.

Federal legislators, including U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau, who represent districts along the rivers traveled by the Delta Queen are pushing for another extension. Supporters hope Congress will take swift action after it reconvenes from its election break.

The Delta Queen has an interesting history. Starting as a tour boat in California, the vessel has also served during wartime as a floating barracks, training facility and troop transport, all during World War II.

For folks in the Cape Girardeau area who love the river and hold great respect for those who make a living on the river, visits by the Delta Queen offer a glimpse of life on the Mississippi much as it was when Mark Twain so eloquently described his passion for the river.

The Delta Queen deserves another reprieve, and we hope Congress will act as soon as possible to allow the riverboat to continue its river trips.