Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-07

ZION Oh Dill amending these laws by
the addition of a provision that foreign
built vessels, wrecked in the United
States, purchased by citizens of this
country, and repaired to the extent of
three-fourths of their value. shall be
subject to forfeiture if they engage
subsequently in the coastwise trade of
the United States.
Morrell presented a petition for the
Legislature of Vermont, asking for the
revival of the grade of admiral and
recognition of Rear Admiral Dewey
Hale presented Il bill to revive the
grade of admiral and vice-admiral.
The credentials of Nelson w. Aldrich
for new term as senator from Rhode
Island for six years from March 4. 1899.
We're presented. They were signed by
Elisha Dyer. Governor, Captain Gem
eral and Communicating of the
State of Rhode Island and Providence
plantation"
PettlgreW. S. D., offered resolution
which was adopted calling upon the
secretary of the interior for Informal
ton concerning the region south of and
adjoining the Yellowstone National
Park and concerning the preservation
of the game in that region.
Vest, Mo-. offered the following joint
resolution. which he asked might lie
ON the table as he desired to speak on
it at an early date: That, under the
constitution of the United States, no
power is given to the federal govern
ment to acquire territory to be held
and governed permanently as colonies.
The colonial system of European ma
tons cannot be established under our
present constitution, but all territory
acquired by the government except
such small amount as may be necessary
for coaling stations, corrections of
boundaries. and similar governmental
purposes. must be acquired and gov
erned with the purpose of ultimately
organizing such territory into states
suitable for admission into the Union"
Consideration of bills on the calendar
was then taken up. "a measure reported
favorably at the last session, amending
existing law relating to the issuing of
American registry to foreign built ships
wrecked in the United States and re-
paired to the extent of three -fourths of
their value. was discussed. The bill
provided that if such a wrecked ship
be employed in. the coastwise trade it
shall be subjected to forfeiture.
Vest. a member of the committee on
commerce, expressed his opposition to
the bill. principally because it afforded
protection to the coastWise trade which
needed no protection. Under the pres
ent system on navigation laws this
trade had decreased from rs per cent.
to II per cent. and this country was
now paying $150, 1000, GOO annually to for
eign ship owners for carrying trade
that ought to be carried in American
bottoms.
This condition of affairs, Vest de-
clared. was "a scandal and disgrace"
He said he had been amused at the sug-
gestion of the President made in his
message that our carrying trade be en-
by the payment of subsidies.
In other Words said he. cit is propos.
ed to substitute for the present vicious
system of navigation laws a scheme of
subsidies that is even more Visions
than is the il it proposes to remedy.
Under thu proposed policy of the adj
continued Vest, 1--WE are
to build great navy. We are to cease
to be a nation of traders and under the
impulse of the policy of expansion be-
come nation of warriors. 1t would
appear to me to be better first to build
UP our carrying trade. l would also
let our people. through the beneficient
effects of such trade, buy where they
can buy cheapest"
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