New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-09-05
JOHN ROACH ON SHLP-BOILDING.
ENLIGHTENING THE SENATE COMMITTEE
NOT OPPOSED by TRADE UNIoNs-wAGEs NOT TO

ENLIGHTENING THE SENATE COMMITTEE.
NOT OPPOSED BY TRADE UNIoNs-wAGEs NOT TO
BE REGULATED BY PROFITS.
A ruddy-faced man. with lght-bue eyes and gray
haIr dressed in a business suit of dark brown, was
examined by the Senate Suh-Commitee on Educn,
non and Labor Yesterday for nearly live hours upon
the subject of American shipping, ne
was john Roach. In the course OF Iis
testimony he grew eloquent and waved ms
arms in rho most vigorous manner. Iio
stated that there were about 5000 represent
ing twenty five different trades III his employ
There has been gradual improvement , IN Dae
Y, arsn continued Mr. Roach. Ihero i no reason
to-day why an industrious workman should not
own his own house hore are sas u M
bnslness They are oil owners OF houses and nave
accun a la ed some property besides. Last year
81 5S7, 900 was paid IN wages 10 my workmen.
am firm believer IN agriculture and own a farm OF
700 acres in estch ster County. IN tins State am
not opposed TO trade unions, out THROW open tno
doors of my shops TO all men who Will abide By our
rules Perhaps this is the reason why nave bad
so II tie trouble with NV workmen There rs always
IN wages even man anI is mr N The
us,. of materials while his nelghhor was es them.
Another is irregular IN his habits, drinks goes
cunning and thus breaks IN upon his lue.
What plan would you propose for set
ting difficulties between workmen and their
employers ~ asked Senator Call
a. think IL would lie n good plan to call re-
presentatves from the great corporations together
to talk over the matter aud adopt some dehhits
| rules" .. r,.o. In ro,r,.+sd hv fine
prof of business II go,
no. | think not" replied MIR Roach. my
profits have not av RACED over per cent year on
a business of S3 600 600"
Would you he willing to build ships for the
Government at that rate " asked the Senator Win
q smile. .
!" Yes. | would fill my yard with vessels at that
figure he answered.
In regard 10 the import ancc of American ship
building Mr.. Roach salu: ." think that the build
ing aud rquIppng o. American snipS have been the
saving Of our Nations life. For ths reason II i"r
no other IL should b. protected aud preoe yea.
During the rebellion England was the only country
which could build free ships Every vessel Ouilt
here was subj to the old rules and laws 81 meas
ur,.meut by which the builders were Obliged To
pany Tor the rntlrr capacity OF the vessel ana
not for her carrying capacity as IN glahd
Our SHIPS were charged % per cent more Tor wharf,
age on the other side tnan were the IL gllsb. In
1870 invested my money III shIp"udng. DARING
tuese twelve wears tnere has been great feduc lO
IN the cost of ships. The modern iron ship can be
buIlt chea per the wooden SHIP OF lHoS III u
also fact that the IRON ships made mere 40" ar
cheaper han thosr made IN England ~ 1870. n'.
chei difference between the cost oil the IRON ships
made here aud III England ls due To ihr iHct thai
higher wages must be pad IN this cOuhtIy tnah
In England. As 80 per ceit Oi the cost "f an lIo
vessel s paid for labor. it become, most important
item III making estimates
MIR. Roach" said senator Call, suppose the
Government should saw To- yon We VIII give you
any salary you may name If with yOur superior
ability and superior economy YOU Will take charge
of our ship builling.' wpull You do II r.
Ie." hs replied, Laughing; put should want
the Government to make II pen at offence Tor any
Congressman. legislator or public oihcia To inter-
fcre witt me-"
Jay Gould Is expected to appear before the COM
mlttee to-day.