The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-08-30
British Are Worried Over Out.
come of the Scheme
For a Combination of the Allan.
tic Shipping Interests.
TO MEET 1T.
Subsidy Is the Remedy Most
Generally Favored.
Preferential Tariffs Are Also in
Some Favor.

London, Aug. .30-The approaching ex-
piration of the time limit for the COM
pletion of the Atlantic shipping COM
bine is arousing the British press to all
sorts OF speculation regarding ]. Pier
pont Morgan's ultimate plans as well as
the governments scheme for dealing
with the combination. The promised
statement of the premier A. ]. Balfour,
on the reassembling of parliament. is
awaited with intense interest. The
statement has already been printed that
the government plans are complete and
that the authorities are all ready to
make the effective counter move against
the American syndicate. Inquiries made
by the Associated Press in the best in
formed quarters indicate that this an
nouncement is not true. The govern
ment has had to deal with so many
powerful and conflicting interests that
it has not yet been able to definitely
decide on a plan of action. In spite of
the opposition to general subsidy
scheme, well informed persons consider
this to be the most likelv solution. on
the lines of a generous distribution OF
government support. not in behalf of
one, but of several companies. The form
which such assistance will take is still
under discussion, there being consider
able opposition to straight subsidies.
There is no doubt that Mr.. Balfour's
announcement will include a scheme for
a direct, fast Canadian service, in which
the Canadian Pacific railroad probably
VIII partlclpale, out not as originally
planned, as sole promoter and benefi-
ciary. The indications point more and
more to the drawing together of the
Atlantic lines outside of the Morgan
! combine. One of the alliances which
may be earliest expected is a combina-
| ton of the Allan line and Elder, Demp-
! ster & Co. The heads of the Englis;,
lines are chary in expressing them
! selves on the Atlantic outlook. Time.
| is rather intensifying than allaying their
! jealousy of the American bid for the
Atlantic trade. and Great Britain has
| been so thoroughly stirred up that it
| will not leave stone unturned to allay
| the existing commercial and colonial
| discomfort. In this connection 1t may
! be mentioned that the tariff discussions
| at the recent colonial conference were
| very intimately connected with the ship,
/ ping situation. A leading ship owner
| retary, Joseph Chamberlain, said to =
representative of the Associated Press:
America must not think that the i'm
Colonies at the mercy Of the shipping or
| any other trust. The discomfort is acute
pire While Great Britain does not want
commercial war with the U. S. she will
not not stand indefinitely being shut out by
| open house for American traders in the
! United Kingdom. The question Of retail
people imagine. There is no reason why
the British colonial markets should not be
opened to British goods on a professional
basis. We have been asleep here in Eng
up America had better look out
| referred to as the probable head of the
| British financial system which is likely tc
purchase the Cunard fleet as the nucleus
speech before the steamship meeting al
pubic publ C. meeting me ing he ne was not SO outspoker
as the leading ship owner quoted above.