The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1889-12-07
THE MERCaASr MARINE.
Measures for the Advancement of Ship
ping In:erests.


There Is nothing more Justly humiliatiug 10
the national pride and nothing more hurtfu TO
the national prosperity, THAI the in 'eriority
OF our merchant marine, compared with that of
other nations whose general resources, wealth,
and sea-coast lines 90 rot suggest ii reason for
their supremacy on the see. II was not always
SO, and or people are agreed, | think, that it
shall no: coLtI ue 10 he So II is not possible in
this communication TO discuss the causes OF the
decay OF our shipping Interests or the different
methods by whiuh II is p opposed 20 restore hem.
The statement Of a few W. ll-Uuthentirsted facts
and some general suggestions as to legislation is
all that Is prsc iCaOlc. That the great ste am
ship lines sailing under the flags OF England.
france, Germany, 81 ain, aud italy, ard engaged
in foreign commeTc", were promoted, and have
since been ana now are literally slded, by
grants OF public mohey, il oae form OF another.
is generally known. That the American hines OF
steamships have been abandoned hy us in an M
equal contest with the aided lines OF other ma
ions until they have been withdraw, or, i'll the
few eases where they are sti.l maintained, are
subJ TO serious dlsadN antages, Is matter o. COM
mon know ledge.
The present situation Is such that travellers
end merchandise lind Liverpool often a ncces-
sary Intermediate port between New York ana
some of the South American capitals The feet
that some OF the delegates from south American
states to the conference of American nations.
in session at Washington. reached our
shores by reversing thatIine of travel is very
elusive OF the need OF such conference, and very
suggestive 6S 10 the first and most necessary step
in the direction OF iuller and more beneficial in
ter-cCuTse with nations that are now our II, igh-
bOIs upon the lines Ol latitude, but not upon the
lines OF established commercial intercourse.
recommend that such appropriations De made
for ocean mail service, i'll American steamships
between our ports and tnoseo Central and South
America, China, Japan, and the imporsnt isl
snds III both OF the great oceans, az Will be Hb-
orally remunerative for the service rendered, and
as VIII encourage the establishment ana in some
tair degree eguRliZe the chances of Ame ricSn
steamship lines in the competitions which they
must meet. That the American states lying
south OF US Will cordially cooperate IN ests bish
ing and maintaining such linos of steamships to
their principal ports do not doubt
We should also make provision tor a naval re-
serve TO consist of such merchant ships, of
American construction. and OF specified
tonnage aud speed, as the owners will consent
10 place at the use OF the government In case of
need OF armed cruisers. England has adopted
necessity, al once place upon her naval list some
of the fastest steamships in the world. A proper
supervision of the construction of such vessels
would make their conversion into effective ships
OF war very easy.
am an advocate of economy in our national
expenditures, but it is a misuse OF terms to make
this word describe policy thst withholds an
expenditure for the purpose of extending our
foreign commerce. The enlargement and inl-
provement OF our merchant marine, the develop
ment of sufficient body of trained Amer
lcan seamen, the promotion of rap
Id and regular mail communication be-
tween the ports of other countries and
our own, and the adoption OF large and sw II
American merchant steamships to naval uses in
tire o! war, are public purposes OF highest con-
ceTn. Ihe enlarged PARTICIPATION OF our people
in the carrying trace, the new and increased
markets that Will be opened for the products OF
our farms and tacto les and The iuler and better
employment of our mechanics, which will IT suit
from u liberal promotion of our foreign com
merce insure the widest possible diffusion OF
benefit TO all the states and to all our people.
Everything is most propitious for the present in
aLguretiOn OF q liberal and progressive policy
on this subject, and we should enter upon It
with prompneSs and decision
The legislation which | have suggested. II Is
halT to nd
honor of our country and the prosperity and
security OF the people. invoke the diligent and
serious attention of Cong ress to the cOntidera-
tion OF these and such other measures as may
be presented, having he ,me great end in
view. BENJAMIN HARRISON.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, d. c., Dec.