Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1883-09-08
The Obscure Causes Of Our Naval De-
cline.

In most IF the investigations which have
been MAIDS into the causes of the decline Of
the American commercial marine the COM
memo ement of the decadence is usually as
signed to the period of the war. It is true
that a more rapid falling off is
observable from that date. But
that is all that can be truth
fully affirmed in that connection. Accord
ing to the statistics of the treasury depart
ment 66.5 per cent. of our total export and
import trade was carried in American bot
toms in 1860. But it began rapidly to drop
Immediately there after. In 1862
the percentage was only so. In the follow
year it was down to Ala. In 1864 the per-
centage was 27.5. In those years the Ala
bama and other rebel cruisers were engaged
in destroying our commerce.
At the close of the war our mercantile
marine began to revive, but very slowly.
In 1866 the percentage of imports and ex-
ports carried in American ships had gone
up to 1922. It continued to ascend till
1870, when the percentage reached $3.50.
But the old decay set in again in the fol-
lowing year. and it began to run down. So
rapid was the descent that in 1880 our ships
were only carrying 17.6 per cent. of our to-
tai outward and inward bound traffic
This is the story mathematically stated of
our mercantile marine since the war; The
fact that the decline continues after the
causes which apparently produced it have
partially disappeared, rather suggests that
we have not yet laid hold of all the facts,
This view OF the case is still further
strengthened by the circumstances that the
decline was 10 operation for q long time
previously. 1t set in really in 1927. In
the preceding year our mercantile marine
attained its greatest development. At that
date 92.5 per cent. of the imports and ex-
ports of the country was transported in our
own ships.
But in the following year the dry rot, so
to speak. first declared itself. A progress
sive decline is then exhibited until 1859,
when the percentage had fallen to $3.50.
We have here causes plainly to deal with,
apart altogether from those which are gen.
ally quoted in explanation of the phenom-
enon. The decline was steadily going on
for twenty -four years before the war and
the adoption of the present tariff. The de-
cline In that period was equal to 25 per
cent. of the whole. The war and the tariff
aggravated the disease, whatever 1t was, but
it is plain from the figures above quoted
that they did not create it. IL there had
been no war and the conditions had re-
NAMED unchanged, only about forty per
cent. of all our trade would now be carried
in American ships. The difference be-
tween 40 per cent. and the figures in 1886
viz, 17.6 per CENTS alone to be set over
to that arrangement and its consequences.
We will have to search for the main and
original causes elsewhere. They manifest
ed themselves in 1927 as above set forth. II
no change had occurred they would have
brought our shipping to its present low
state some time in the nineties. No doubt
there is not one. but whole group Of
causes at the seat of trouble. Sailor law
yers and defective navigation laws have
something to do with the almost total dis
appearance of our flag from the high seas.
Some of our consuls lay great stress on that
fact. Wages with us is generally higher
than is generally paid on foreign ships. But
for all that, there are few American sailors.
The sea appears to have lost all its attrac-
lions for the adventurous. The American
skipper and first officer for the most part
alone remain.
This is a condition of things that ought
not to be allowed to continue. 1t ia great
drain on Inc country TO nave TO pay Gus
such vast sums in freight to foreign ves-
sells. That makes large hole in that bal
ance of trade about which so much pleas
ant figuring has been done. In the second
place, the subsistence of our shipping
places US at great disadvantage in case of
war. Great naval engagements decisive of
the fate of empires viii never, perhaps,
again be fought on the high seas. The old
tactics of the weather gauge have fallen
into dequietude. But there is need for iron
ships, experienced seamen and engineers
for the defense of or attack on harbors,
and the breaking or maintaining of block
AIDES. With us the mercantile marine is to
supply the soldiers. We cannot In safety
allow the former to pass sway.
The state board of supervisors has
drawn warrants to cover August bills OF