The morning call., 1894-06-11
AMERICAN SHIPS.
Shall They Be Built at
Home ?
BILL BEFORE CONGRESS.
Perkins Says 1t Will Prove
Destructive
AND BENEFIT OTHER NATIONS.
The Republican Minority of the
House Report ForcibIy Against
the Measure.
AND BENEFIT OTHER NATIONS.

WASHINGTON, June 10.-The Republican
minority Of the House Committee on Mer-
chant Marine and Fisheries have submitted
20 the House report against the free
shipping bill introduced by Representative
Fithian of Illinois, which the Democratic
faction Of the committee has recon-
meuded TO the House.
Representative Perkins of Iowa is the
author of the report, and it also bears the
signatures OF Representatives Gillet of
Massachusetts and Phillips of Pennsyl-
vania.
"The measure is more ftly entitled to
designation as bill TO destroy American
ship building in the interests of foreign
countries" said Mr.. Perkins.
THE report from the majority is wholly
occupied in placing the worst possible
estimate upon the present condition of our
own merchant marine. The minority are
not disposed 10 accept so dark view or
disposed TO make argument wholly.on the
darker side. The majority wholly con-
iae themselves to the most discouraging
view OF American competitive efforts, and
make this the only excuse for an abandon
ment of distinctive national policy which
has been undisturbed through all the sue
cessive changes of party and administra-
ton since its initiation at the beginning of
our Government. No attempt to esta blish
the passage of this bill into law would
prOve helpful to the Government of the
United States or to the SHIPPING interests
of its citizens. The proposition is for an
unconditional surrender to foreign powers
both of the profits and safeguards involved
N % ma inf Of do
the builder of our own ships. That the
adoption of thiS'cOurse would prove highly
salts sfactory TO Great Britain and other
important marine powers need not be
questioned; that it will prove other than
humiliation to this republic, certain dis
grace and a possible disaster, may be ac-
cepted as equally probable"
The discussion Of the question, con-
tinues the report, may be carried on apart
from the matter of "bounties" ana sub
sidiss." to which the majority of the CON-
mittee devotes SO much attention. II is
impossible that a bounty system in the
sense pointed out would be resorted to,
aud 10 the statement of an American
ship builder that steanship-owuers who
perform public service by transporting
ocean mails undoubtedly expect pay for
it, and there is no reason why this coun-
try may not pay for such service as we'll
as countries with which it is chiefly in
competition.
During the year 1898 England, France,
Germany. Russia and Italy paid, roughly
estimated. S16.657. .s65 for transportation
of mails by sea. England is Acknowledged
to have been so entirely successful in its
maritime policy that it is now urged as
useless for US 10 stand out longer against
The completed dominion by England of
the shipping of this country. The ques-
ton is asked whether, If we were to de-
pend upon foreign ships because they are
cheaper, foreign countries should not have
been depended upon for the new navy and
en- inferior line secured, thereby retarding
the development of establishments which
are now able to propose to Great Britain
and Italy for contracts?
1t is said.to be settled that the United
States can build as good ships as any coun-
try save England. But for tue law of 1872
this country could not have dreamed of
competing with England for the building
of her own ships. There is said to be less
reason now for assaulting our navigation
laws than at any time since the war, par
ticularly since the field of profitable en-
ployment is now greatly reduced.
The first cost of the ship is said not to
be the controlling consideration, but its
profitable employment. So long as for
eigners protect themselves the carving
trade cannot be taken away by the expe-
dent Of free ships. 1t would be folly to
abandon the building of iron ships when
the work has just commenced. That the
wages of American seamen are 80 per cent
higher than those paid abroad is said to
explain why so many foreigners ship with
US. 1t Is not so desirable to have the
cheapest ships as the best ships. The ex-
tension of free registry of vessels engaged
in coaStwtse trade is said to be the natural
sequence of the proposed system.
In conclusion, it is noted that no appeal
has come from shipping interests to Con-
gress for the change.