Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-18


boy for each 1000 gross tons, who shall be
taught seamanship and engineering and
shall rank as a petty ofhcer.
Subject 60 Defense Service.
The owners Of the vessel must agree be-
fore receiving compensation that the ship
IN emergency may be used by the United
States for the national defense or for any
private service at a fair compensation for
this service.
Title 8 OF the bill directs the secretary Of
the treasury TO pay to the owner Of a doc
umented vessel engaged in deep fishery for
at least three months in any one year 81
per gross ton per annum. provided that at
least one-third Of the crew shall be citi-
Sens Of the United States. and he is d.
rected to pay also to a citizen Of the United
States serving as a member Of such crew
81 a month for the time he is necessarily
employed.
Title 4 provides that no vessel shall be
given compensation under two or more titles
Of this act at the same time, that a sub
sidized vessel shall not be sold to a subject
OF a foreign power and that the president OF
the United States shall cause proper regula-
lions to be framed for the execution Of this
act.
Frye Closes debate.
The debate on the various amendments
and the bill proper consumed much time.
Mr.. Frye. author Of the bill, closed the de-
bate.
Mr.. Frye declared that ten years ago
England carried SO per cent Of the trade
OF the world, while now England carried
only SO per cent Of It. Great Brit
ain, he said, was losing the worlds
carrying trade. In regard to some
OF the arguments advanced Mr.. Hanna
spoke briefly. He said 1t was a loss to
the American people to pay $3.50, 600, 900 or
5000, 600, 900 for carrying our American COM
merce, for under Just laws perhaps 90
per cent OF that amount would remain in
the hands OF Americans. The American
merchant marine had gone down and down
until 1t cut a sorry figure among the ma
lions Of the world.
BY way OF explanation Of certain fea-
lures OF the bill which he said did not seem
to be understood, he stated that the ordi-
nary freight ship which is to receive the
subsidy, is Invested Of all the excessive
requirements Of the postal subsidy ships.
Referring to the proposition to prevent
Chinese sailors on ships, he said It would
destroy the lines on the Pacific. He was
opposed to the proposition because our
sailors are unable long to stand the ex-
cessive heat Of the engine and nrerooms.
No Use for Free ships.
Facing the democratic side. he declared
that In the last twenty-five years the demo-
Gratis had suggested no remedy except Mr..
Vest. who wanted free ships. a remedy
which ! am very glad to say few intelll-
gent Americans believe in"
In his closing remarks, Mr.. Frye said
he would accept the amendment offered by
Mr.. Allison, limiting the time Of the opera
tion Of the measure, because he believed
they were In the interest OF the bill.
At 3 o'clock. Ehen Mr.. Frye had con-
cluded, Mr.. Vest OF Missouri offered his
amendment, providing in brief that the pro-
visions Of the antitrust law apply to the
shipping industry with a view to prevent
a conspiracy In restraining trade.
The amendment was rejected. 25 to as
a party vote with the exception Of McLaurir
of South Carolina, who voted with the re.
publicans.
Another amendment offered by Mr.. Vest
providing that any vessel purchased in 9
foreign country by citizens Of the United
States shall be admitted to the United
States cDastwise trade, was rejected by tn,
same vote.
Vests Amendment Lost.
Mr.. Vest~then offered his free ships'
amendment, providing that American citi
Gems may purchase vessels where they car
be purchased most cheaply and have then
registered as American ships. 1t also wal
rejected. rs to 4s.
Mr.. Teller of Colorado offered an amend
ment admitting to American registry for
eign-built vessels Of not less than 700
tons and capable Of a speed Of twelve knot
that now clear from American ports and o
which 80 per cent is owned by American