Morning journal and courier., 1889-12-04

statement of few authenticated facts and some general suggestions as to leRisla- tion is ell that is practicable. That the great steamship lines sailing under the fa9s of England, France, Germany, Spain and Italy and engaged in foreign commerce were pro noted, and have since been and now are lib- orally aided, by grants of public money in one form or another, Is generally known. That the American lines of steamships have been abandoned by us to an unequal contest with the aided lines of other nations, until they have been withdrawn, or, in the few cages where they are still maintained, are subject to serious disadvantages, is matter of common knowledge. The present situstion is such that travellers and merchan- disc find Liverpool often a nec- essary intermediate port between New York and some of the South American capitalists. The fact that some of the delegates from South American States to the conference of American nations, now in session at Wash- ington, reached our shores by reversing that line of travel, is very conclusive of the need of such conference, and very suggestive as to the first and most necessary step in the direction of fuller and more beneficial inter- course with nations that are cur nsighbors upon the lines of latitude, but not upon the lines of established commercial intercourse.
 THE SUBSIDY QUESTION.
 recommended that such appropriations be made for ocean mail service in American steamships between our ports and those of Central and South America, China and Ja- pan, and the important 4slands in both of the great oceans, as will be literally remun- erative for the service rendered, and as will encourage the establishment and in some fair degree equalixe the chances of American steamship lines in the competition which they must meet. That Americanx States lying south of us will cordially cooperate in estab- fishing and maintaining such lines of steam ships to their principal ports do not doubt. We should also make provisions for naval reserve, to consist of such merchant ships of American construction and of a specified ton. mage and speed as the owners will consent to place at the use of the government in case of need as armed cruisers. England has adopted this policy, and as a result can now, upon necessity, at once place upon her naval list | some of the fastest steamships in the world. A proper supervision of the construction oi such vessels would make their conversion to effective ships of war very easy. am an ad' vocate of economy in our national expendi. lures; but it is misuse of terms to make this word describe policy that withholds an ex. penditure for the purpose of extending our foreign commerce; the enlargement and i'm. provement of our merchant marine; the de- velopment of sufficient body of trained American seamen, the promotion of rapid and regular mail communications between the ports of other countries and our own, and the adoption of large and swift American merchant steamships to naval uses in time of war, are public purposes of the highest con- cern. The enlarged participation of our peo- pie in the carrying trade, She new and in- creased markets that will open for the pro ducts of our farms and factories. and the fuller and betteremployment of mechanics, which will result from liberal promotion oi our foreign commission insure the widest possible diffusion of benefit to all the States and to all our people. Everything is most propitious for the present inauguration of g liberal and progressive policy upon this sub- ject, and we should enter upon it with promptness and decision.
 The legislation which have suggested, as 1t is sincerely believed, will promote the peace and honor of our country and the pros perity and security of the people. invoke the diligent and serious attention of Congress to the consideration of these and such other measures as may be presented, having the same great end in view.
 BENJAMIN HARRISON.
 Executive Mansion, Washington, Dec. 3, 1889.