Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-04

with that OF other natl0n8 whose general re-
sources, wealth and seacoast lines do not
suggest any reason for their supremacy on
e sea. 1t was not always so. and our peo
pie are agreed, think, that it shall not con-
tinue to be so.
1t is not possible in this communication
to discuss the causes of the decay oil our
shipping interests, or the differing methods
by which it is proposed to restore them.
The statement OF few well-authenticated
facts, and some general suggestions as to
legislation, is all that is practicable That
the great steamship lines sailing under the
flags of England, France, Germany, Spain,
and Italy, and engaged in foreign COM
merce, were promoted, and have since been
and now are literally aided by grants Of
public money, in one form or another, is
generally known.
EVERYBODY KNOWS IT.
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until they have been withdrawn, or, in the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 cases where they are still maintained,
are subject to serious disadvantages, is of
common knowledge. The present situation
is such that travellers and merchandise find
Liverpool often a necessary intermediate
port between New York and some Of the
South American capitals. The fact that
some of the delegates from South American
States to the conference of American ma
tions, now in session at Washington, reached
our shores by reversing that line of travel,
is very conclusive of the need ofsuch con-
ference, and very suggestive as to the first
and most necessary step in the direction of
fuller and more beneficial intercourse with
nations that are now our neighbors upon the
lines of latitude, but not upon the lines Of
established commercial intercourse.
DIRECTION OF THE SUBSIDIES.
I recommend that such appropriations be
made for ocean mail service, in American
steamships, between our ports and those Of
Central and South America, China, Japan,
and the important islands in both of the
great oceans, as will be literally remunera-
tive for the service rendered, and as will en-
courage the establishment, and in some fair
degree equalize. the chances Of American
steamship lines in the competition which
they must meet. That the American States
lyiug south of Us will cordially cooperate
in establishing and maintaining such lines
of steamships to their principal ports, do
not doubt.
reserve, to consist of such merchant ships,
Of American construction and of specified
tonnage and speed, q the owners will con-
sent 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 OIL 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.
NOT AFTER FALSE ECONOMY.
am an advocate Of economy in our ma
tional expenditures; but it is q misuse of
terms to make this word describe policy
that withholds an expenditure for the pur-
pose of extending our foreign commerce.
The enlargement and improvement of our
merchant marine, the development of a suf-
fcient body of trained American seamen,
the promotion of rapid and regular mail
communication between the ports of other
countries and our own, and the adoption Of
large and swift American steamships to
naval uses in time of war, are public pur-
poses of the highest concern. The enlarged
participation OF our people in the carrying
trade, the new and increased markets that
will be opened for the products of our farms
and factories, and the fuller and better EN-
ployment of our mechanics which will result
from liberal promotlon OF our foreign COM
merce. insure the widest possible diffusion of
benefits to all the States and to all our
people.
THE TIME IS FAVORABLE.
Everything is most propitious for the pres
ent inauguration of a liberal and progressive
policy upon this subject, and we should en-
ter upon it with promptness and decision.
The legislation which have suggested, it
is sincerely believed, will promote the peace
and honor of our country, and the prosperity
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,
December 8, 1889.