The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-03-15
Steamer Subsidies.

Steamer Subsidies.
From late Sydney papers we learn that
~ subsidy had been pledged by the Gov
eminent to any of the steam lines, al
theugh the Sydney Chamber of Commerce
~ unanimous vote had recommended
shat a subsidy should be granted to Mr.
Halls line on condition that it should
ran from that port via the Fits and Ho-
nolulu without stopping at New Zealand
A we have before shown, there would be
q saving in time to Sydney of some three
days by the direct route over the time
nov occupied by the line via Auckland
By the route via Honolulu and the Fills,
Tie shortest possible time could be made,
as the vessels would have a straight line to
run over, whereas by the route via Auck-
land, detour of about a thousand miles
j. made. Ii Is improbable that the people
Of New South Wales will consent TO
grant subsidies TO steamers running via
New Zealand. We give below telegram
from Washington, dated January 10th,
70 the Chicago Tribune, which will give
our readers an idea Of the various subsi-
dies proposed to be given to steam lines
in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,
amounting in the aggregate to SO, zoe, 900
As but a few days remained from our last
dates to the 4th inst, when Congress
would adjourn, 1t Is doubtful if any of
the subsidies would be got through before
that time.
The principal feature in the proceedings to-day
IN the Senate was an effort made by those in
ierasted ia The steamship subsidies to get up their
bills fayoriug these schemes. Senator Ramsey
moved that three Of these bills to-wit: those
authorizing mail steamship service between New
Orleans and Mexico between the United States
and Australia aud between the United States
aud Earope. be made the special OrderfOr to-mor-
r0u. Mr.. C0nkliug objected unless his bill
creating the American Mail and Ocean Trans
partatiou Company should be included. When
be took his seat. about dozen members en-
dsarored to gain the floor, and for a few minutes
there was 50 much confusion that the Speaker
could not b. heard. Some objected to making
special order Of any Of these bills, on the ground
Lai there was no reason why they should be
privileged beyond other bills on the calendar
while Others objected to giving a second hearing
a. The same time. an operation which, it was as
serted woaid result in giving to each the combined
strength Of the whole. Finally, compromise
was agreed on, that the four above mentioned
balls should be made the special order for Friday
next There are now twelve Of these steamship
subsidy bills pending in Congress- several of which
have received favorable consideration in commit
tee The total amount Of annual subsidies which
these bills draw from the United States Treasury is
aboat SSs0O.O00. which sum is independent of
the demand Tor guarantees for the Government
10 levy interests on bonus. Senator Ramsey's /
bin TO establish European steamship lines is the
same Is that offered by General Scheuck in the
House early in the session The subsidy asked .
Is 100000 per annum, to be continued for fifty
years. Behind this bill is powerful lobby, con-
fdeai Of success. The bill Of the same Senator |
reported BY him from the Postal Committee, to
establish mail steamship line between Australia |
Holiday & Webb interests, and is proposed as
a. extension Of the contract at present existing |
with Helladay for carrying the mails between .
Honoiula and san Francisco. The present con- 1
tract has now FIVE years to run, with a subsidy |
Of $4,000 per annum. The pending bill asks an I
iacre-ss q this sum to s5OO.OOO per annum, the /
service TO be extended so that the terminal points
A. nr-rt..---, c., Esr,,cssco Nv Eai-
logs bin. which vas embraced in Ramseys mo- I
zion, authorizes mail steamship service between 4
New Orleans and several Mexican ports. 1t |
Vas iniroduced IN the Senate last session, and |
thea referred to the Committee on Commerce |
IN he House il was introduced by Mr.. Wells, Of
Niss0uri. and referred to select committee, who 1
reported favO-ably thereon few days ago. Its
chances for passage are considered good by its
fT5eads The Subsidy it asks is Sl5O00O for ten
years Mr.. ConkIing's bill, which he to-day sue
oee6ed ia making one Of the four assigned for
special consideration on Friday next, is man.
rao.h affair, and is said TO have more money in
Il. thar al the others combined, besides power
fnl LOBBY 70 press its passage. 1t provides for
Incorporating a company to construct twenty
steamships. ship yards etc, to be used in time
Of var for naval purposes, having capital stock
Of 81 100000. said company is to have power
70 issue bonds to the amount Of S2.0000c0 in
teresi payable in gold The Government to pay
the sane ssui-annualy. the Government to en-
dorse the bonds TO that effect Besides the
shove. there are scores OF bills to relieve, en-
courage. bald up. and aid American commerce,
Al caIline for assistance from the United States
Treasury. Probably all cannot be got up this
session. In this connection it IS proper to state
thai tie President Is reported to have expressed
las sisspprOval Of ali the subsidy schemes, class
Ing them in the same category with land grants
and aid 10 railroad