The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-15
SEATTLE, TUESDAY, MAY Is.
They Cannot Beat II.


subsidy bill recltes the familiar argu-
ments against any attempt to restore
our merchant marine by the grant of
federal aid. They do not need extend
ed review or disproof. because they
have been considered and refuted at
length. both by the advocates Of the
bin and by the press of the country.
Boiled down to something substantial.
stripped Of evasions and concealments,
they all disclose the demand for Stree
ships" 1t is only one familiar phase
of the free trade campaign. II Is the
resistance to the final application Of the
triumphant principle Of protection in
the one field where as yet 1t has been
but partially effective.
In the explanation of the bill which
we have published in our columns. 1t
is shown that there is, need Of sub
etantial encouragement to enable our
neople to build and operate their own
shipA just as there was need OF as
sistance to enable them to build and
ing short of that will satisfy the coun-
try. Above all are the farmers of the
nation bent upon the building up of an
interest that will throw wide open to
them the markets Of the world. and
essure TO them a larger DEMAND and
better prices for their products. 1t Is
Dust because of this, because IT is not
the capitalist but the tillers Of the soil
who are urgent for encouragement to
American shipping. that the bill will
pass.
That the form OF the bill is not what
all would desire has been admitted
freely. All such measures are to some
extent of necessity compromises. So
are tariff acts, pension bills and all
measures OF legislation that aim at
large results and have to take cogni-
zance OF multitude OF details. II
would have been most desirable, the
direct and effective way, TO give simply
a tonnage bounty on all American ex4
ports carried in American ships, This
WAS the first proposition, but II was de-
slared impossible by authorities on con-
Rtltutional law. without the abrogation
sf a score Of treaties with foreign ma
sions. The bill In its latest form is
kimpiy the next best measure that our
legislators can devise for accomplish
Ara the same purpose.
The charge that the benefits OF the
yubsidy win SO 10 a few Is not war
santedNhy the facts. They are open TO
kl owners OF American.built vessels
hpa 10 all ships that may be construct
ed by American capital under the pro,
Missions Of the bill The allegation that
b subsidy may bc earned by a ship
sailing in ballast "a particularly un-
Warranted. since IL must carry at least
Aaif q a fun oarg0 In order 90 be cn-
titled TO compensation. The benefits
cannot be limited 20 few individuals
or corporations, since Il is provide /
shat, when there are enough ships 70
earn more than tho 100000 per an
mum appropriated 10 this purpose addt-
iions to cur carrying trade VIII not be
shut oat. but the 81 oo0,oo0 must bs d.
Viaea pro rata among all participating
On IL. And the allotment Of at least so
per cent OF the total subsidy to the
Eaeiac coast commends it 20 the favor
Of our people.
We believe that II would be a better
plan TO give a direct bounty on new
tonnage constructed. 1t would tend 70
encourage more Immediately the build
Ing of American ships the enlargement
CT the American marine. A new tom
page bounty offered for freight carriers
MOULD be a powerful stimulus To this
neglected industry But we have to
Recognize practical conditions. We
kblust admit that the immediate COM