The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-01-20
SHIFS AND PROTECTION.

san Francisco Call
The ColuSa sun has stated, ably ana
fairy, the opposition to government aid
in the rebuilding Of cur merchant ma
rne. its position is simply that such
aid IS the extension Of the American
policy Of protection to that industry
and business.
In view Of the results cf our moder'
ate system of tariff support Of Ameri-
can industries one need not run away
when its application is proposed for the
benefit Of such an importan, Industry
as shipbuuding. Bu, is this opposition
on right lines? Is the analogy COM
plate?
We have the largest seacoast mileage
If any Of the nations. We have a
greater number Of seaports and har-
bors. and We produce more surplus Of
all articles Of commerce that must seek
a market abroad than any other people.
With all this interest in blue water ship
ping We have lost our supremacy of the
seas. Our people have parted with their
seafaring spirit Sailing the oceans
Is practically abandoned by Ameri-
cans. How are they to be redirected in
to tha, channel for the profitable EN-
ploymant OF their energies? Primarily
it is a question Of transportation by
sea. Of our own merchandise. Our land
transportation is the best and cheapest
in the world It employs a million men
in its various departments. It Is one
Of the great wage and profit paying
industries of the country IN It's de-
velormant it was eonstantly the r-cip-
lent Of some form of public help. In its
very beginning it found a difficulty
that It could not surmount with
out government assistance. our
first railroads were blocked by the i'm
possibility Of securing right of way for /
their lines It Was discovered that con-
strucuon Of an extensive system was
impossible if railroad builders had TO |
bargain with each individual .andhold- |
er for The right 20 build a line across
his possessions. While the difficulty |
lasted capital would not invest in rail-
roads. Beginning in New England this |
question was fought out It divided |
parties first in New Hampshire. where
finally railroad corporations Were given |
the power Of condemnation under the
right Of eminent domain, in recognition
Of their quasi-public character, and the
public necessity for an improved trans
system. Then the Develop
rent began and was continually aided
by loans of he public credit and by
gifts, outright, Of state and municipal
bonds
When it was seen that the settlement
Of the West depended upon building
the public domain was given
10 those enterprises. The first great
grant was secured 10 the Illinois Cen
raj through the efforts Of Stephen A.
Douglas We need not remind the Dem
,crats of today that he was a leader
If their party, qor that their national
.onyentiors demanded government aid.
" subsidy, for the construction Of an
overland road to the Pacific coast.
The building Of our American roads
las employed millions Of American
Norimcn. It has employed other i'm
nense numbers in the manufacture Of
heir equipment. Take out Of our in
iustricg those that build locomotives.
'ars and wheels. and manufacture steel
'ails and an industrial paralysis would
.all upon the land. Yet all Of this
mighty structure Of American activity
Vas built upon government recognition.
I'D and encouragement. What the ad-
'ocates Of a revival Of American ship