The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-10-08
WHATSHALL BE DONE
Necessity for Prompt Action Forci-
bly, Illustrated.
We Are mt the Mercy of Foreign
Transportation Companies oper-
ating the Business OF the
World On the Sea.


The need of a merchant marine with
which TO take advantage of the broad
expansion of commercial opportuni-
ties growing out of the war seems to
have deeply impressed the Buffalo Ex-
press In a recent extended editorial
that paper quotes from the interview
with James j. Hill, the Great Northern
railway president, published In the
American Economist of August 10. in
which President Hill, a lifelong demo-
crat, but also a man OF great intel
lectual force and breadth, records the
fact that his railroad was lately com
PEELED TO refuse the haul of COG, 900 tons
of steel rails and 10000, 900 pounds of
cotton wanted In japan and China be-
cause there were no ships at the Puget
Sound terminus of the Great Northern
road in which TO transport this big
quantity OF merchandise TO Asiatic
ports. In this connection President
Hill said:
'.My Judgment Is that the fearful sums OF
money which the government OF the United
States has been compelled TO pay for ordl-
used in time OF war will compel Congress
TO take such action as will induce American
capital once more 10 find Investment In the
the stars and stripes. III IL does not. then
stagnation must settle down again over
american produsts simply because famine
won't last forever, and the United States -
at the mercy OF foreign transportation com
panies operating the business OF the world
upon water. The American people must de-
enable the United states i 10 compete ea with
other nations and not be compelled 10 rely
on the marine commerce OF other nations"
This is strong protection talk for
quondam free trader, butt shows how
easily the hard. practical facts of COM
merce may overthrow the most beauti-
full structure of theories. II Is only
men of narrow vision and cramped
brain space who cling to theories in
spite OF the facts of human expert
ence.
Commenting upon President Hills
outspoken declaration in favor of gov
eminent assistance toward the crea-
ton of an American merchant marine,
the Buffalo Express says.
Possibly President Hin has a prospect
ivesubsidy In his mind. lie now has 10 COM
pete with transcontinental and trans
Pacific line which is heavily subsidized.
vor. But a subsidy Is practically public
money drawn from rhe people and applied
70 the promotion OF a particular interest.
We believe that forces were at work even
before the war, and are now immeasur-
ably stimulated, which tend 10 increase our
foreign trade, especially across the Pa
cific. 1t remains for private enterprise,
which Will reap the benefit, 10 be prompt
In supplying new ships.
There is a legitimate help which govern
ment can give 20 private enterprise with
favorable tariff Is such help. Reciprocity
treaties are such help. The tariff 10 set
come, and already there is marked de-
crease In imports and increase in exports.
but only small percentage OF this busi-
ness Is carried on In American bottoms.
Now the time is ripe for the establishment
or American marine commercial lines. the
vessels TO be built In America, owned in
American Industries. we do not believe
that special legislation IL needed 20 secure
this result. The natural discernment OF
private capital should see the opportunity,
and the shrewdness OF American investors
should be quick 10 seize It,"
The Express should not be content
with stating merely negative view.
II special legislation is not needed for
the establishment Of American marine
commercial lines, will the Express be
good enough to state what Is needed?
The country is deeply interested in
knowing how private capital is going
10 be induced 10 embark in the build
ing and operating OF ships which will
have 10 come into competition with
foreign vessels which cost less TO build
and which can be operated and
manned at scarcely more than half
the amount that must be paid for the
wages and subsistence OF American
sailors on an American ship.
To Offset n similar disadvantage on
land private capital has had the benefit
of the protective policy. With what
results history tells. VIII private cap
ital venture upon the sea without
some form OF protection? Evidently
IL will not, according TO the view OF
President Hill, whose relation TO large
financial affairs should enable him TO
form an accurate judgment on this
question. He Is big enough and brainy
enough TO fling TO the winds his for
mer free trade predictions and TO
plant himself squarely upon the plat
form Of government aid in establishing
an American marine industry.
To this complexion IL must come.
Private capital takes no manifestly
foolish risks. II Will In the future, as
In the past, stand aloof from marine
until II Is assured OF
necessary and fair degree Of protec-
tion. The sooner that assurance Is
forthcoming in the form OF congress
sional legislation the sooner an Ameri-
can merchant marine able TO trans
port American commerce win be
brought into existence. Until then
commerce will continue TO
be for the most part carried under for
eign flags.
Tariff Receipts.
The receipts OF the Dingley revenue