The Portland daily press., 1870-05-09

The statistics furnished by our consuls, as
seen by the report: show that the cost OF build
ing in England has been reduced since 1860
nearly twenty per cent, and this 1lOtwith-
standing materials and labor are now some
what higher than at that time. The reduc-
ton is undoubtedly attributable to the expe-
rience acquired in the business. The differ
ence in cost between building in the United
States and Great Britain is now more than
thirty-three per cent; and doubt not that
with five years experience we should entirely
overcome this difference. The difference in
the cost oflabor is not very great, and more
than one half OF the cost is labor; for although
we pay higher rates of wages we overcome
the difference largely by the greater intelli-
gence and efficiency of American labor-brains
and muscle being combined here while in
Europe they are separated. Mr.. Morse says
on this poiat, page 220 of Report:
"Ihe labor of all grades and classes of artisans
employed in the construction OF ships ia En- giand
ranging in London from four shilhugs seven shl-
nss sixpence per day, cn the Clyde shilling
less, and in the north OF England even lower. But
this does not afford the English builder much il any
advantage, because American mechanics perform
moro labor inn given time than the same workmen
do in this country"
This is in accord with the unanimous testi-
mony OF ship-builders who appeared before
the committee. Much of the labor in iron
ships is machine labor, and this is as cheap in
the United States as in England.
The Importance of introducing this bust
ness of iron ship-building into the United
States is SO great and the amount that it
would cost comparatively so trifling, that
hope the provso which provides for the pay
ment OF an amount equal to the duties on
impO,te material when American material is
used will not be struck out, but that the Sec
ton will be allowed to remain as it now
stands. 1 think gentlemen who have not ex.
amined the subject specially will be surprised
when the facts and figures are presented, to
see the trifiing cost at which we can establish
this most important branch of business upon
permanent basis, adding year by year to
our merchant marine class of vessels which
will contribute intellectually to the wealth of
the nation in peace, and furnish most effici-
ent means Of defence in case Of war.
The small annual subsidy provided for in
section three of the bill to be paid to all
American vessels engaged in the foreign trade
will be more than provided for by the tax up
on the tonnage collected under section four.
This tax will be largely paid by foreign yes
| sells, particularly steamers, which have most
of our carrying trade. The amount per ton
is not large, and it is the only tax imposed
upon tonnage by the Federal G"vn.~'eon
The aggregate revenue derived is cOnsidera-
BILE, as will be seen by the following calcula.
ton: i.
Ionnag' entering United SdtesJrom Fore gn Ports
american ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 3,4C2, 66e
fofeign 5347 ,69a
.. s.75O,SG:
De 1uct tonnage in traders Iaying but one
tax per year. 1901, 1881
7,o4e,O2s
At 81 CENTS per ton So 524 ,511
Paid out 10, under the third section of the
bill under consideration. sail vessels and
steamers, 1875 tons, at ST. so per
Con OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. ,232 1S9
Steamers. II ,995 tons at So per ton, 233, 1855
- 2466,17A
Loo viz fn1.