Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-03-07
HANNA ON SHIPPING
BUILDING UP THE MERCHANT
MARINE.
A Mistake, He Contends, Not to Profit
by the Experience Of the Coun-
tries Of Europe.

Stars report of the Senate proceedings was
closed Mr.. Hanna said he thought that
experience was the best teacher and an
object lesson the best thing by which to
demonstrate a necessity. If the United
States failed to profit by the experience
of the older countries of Europe, who have
adopted policy In reference to maritime
matters 1t would make a most serious
mistake. Every merchant ship construct
ed in foreign countries was meant to be
snip of war in time of need. Mr.. Hanna
cited the feeling of uneasiness along the
Atlantic coast at the beginning of hos
tilities with Spain and the relief which
was experienced when the four steamers
Of the American line were called upon by
the Secretary of the Navy under the con-
ditions of law passed by Congress to per-
form picket service.
He insisted that it was as important
national question as an economic policy
to carry with the expenditure for building
up the navy the expenditure for an auXil-
larry navy and a merchant marine.
There is something more in this trans
portation question, he said, than merely
carrying mail letter bags; there is more in
1t than dollars and cents to the United
States. He would like it, he said. to be
discussed above party considerations, be-
cause every one felt like pride in our
and whatever is best for the interests and
safety and the perpetuity Of our lnStitu-
tions is best for all Of us.
Mr.. Tillman Wants Information.
Mr.. Tilman interrupted to ask for in
formation in regard to the reports that
the Morgan syndicate had bought two or
three of the European lines Of steamers.
You must ask somebody who knows"
replied Mr.. Hanna. Il do not know any
thing about it,
1T was only reported, you know" sug-
gested Mr. Tillman, land 1 thought that
the senator being in touch with that class
why does the senator say am in touch
with them" interjected Mr.. Hanna.
Mr.. Tillman-'The senator is a man en-
gagged in shipping, is he not?'
ION the great lakes, yes responded Mr..
Hanna, but why does the senator assume
that know what Mr.. Morgan has done?'
Il thought the senator and Mr.. Morgan
were business friends" replied Mr.. Till
man.
Il know nothing about the purchase Of
the Leyland line by ]. P. Morgan Il Co..
said Mr. Hanna, ANY more than the sena-
tor does. That is simply the investment
Of American capital. Under the provisions
Of this bill not single one of those ves-
sells ever will come under an American
register or an American flag"
Mr.. Hanna said capital seeks only invest
ment from which it can get returns.
IF that be true inquired Mr.. Tillman
why did the German Emperor not go
stead Of coming to this country?'
Mr. Hanna said there were some things
he could not answer, but he thought Prince
Henry was glad the emperor did not do 1t.
Perhaps the senator has not heard Of
the success and prestige of America in
the yachting line" suggested Mr. Hanna,
amid laughter. The German Emperor. he
said wanted the best yacht and therefore
he came here.
Mr.. Tilman wanted to know what kind
Of yacht 1t was, and Mr.. Depew described
it sailing racing machine of the same
type as beat the two ShamrOcks.
Fight for Oriental Trade.
Mr. Hanna declared that not an Ameri-
can ship yard had a contract for another
merchant vessel after the nine or ten ves-
sells now under contract were finished.
Everybody knows, continued Mr.. Hanna,
that the United States is now engaged in
a hand to hand contest with foreign ma
tiOnS to secure the commerce of the orient
and that the United States had been fore
most and steadfast in it's policy to secure
the markets of China and hold them as an
open door. The Philippine archipelago was
the key to the orient, saidshe, and when 1t
had become naval station surrounded by
all the protection that a maritime fleet
would need, 1t would become factor in our
commercial conditions in the orient. Mr..
Hanna then said it was the purpose of the
bill, under the postal system, to establish
a line on the Atlantic coast Of South
America.
England had gained her supremacy in the
markets of the world by pursuing the
policy of establishing direct communicate ton.
Personal contact" he said, lis what
brings results, and England, Germany and
France are now energetically at work to
put in the connecting link between the
Pacific and the orient"
A comprehensive effort has been persist
emily made. he declared, by all the in
fuences that could be brought to bear on
Congress to defeat this bill.
He spoke of the benefit that the passage
Of the bill would bring as a result Of in
creased trade with South American coun-
tries, saying that the trade now went by
way Of Liverpool and Hamburg in foreign
ships, and thence was transshipped to
South American ports
BY carrying American goods in American
ships there would be an increase Of Ameri-
can trade, he said.
The Cost of Labor.
In closing Mr. Hanna again adverted to
the question Of the cost of labor, manta aim
ing that wages in this country averaged 80
per cent higher than in European coun-
tries. He presented statements of fact as
to the cost of construction Of ships in this
country and in Great Britain, showing that
the cost Of those built in the United States
was from % to 80 per cent higher, the diff
ference in price Of labor making the diff
ference in cost. He also said the difference
between the COSI OF American ana
foreign ships was about q per cent the
higher rate being paid on American vessels.
He urged that the pending measure be en-
acted into law the one way to demon
strate to the satisfaction of all that 1t
would be beneficent in it's operation. More
as an appeal than as an argument to those
who yet were not convinced Of the excellent
results to be obtained from the BILL he said
he besought Congress to keep pace with
the world in exercising the natural adj
vantages and commercial resources Of
which all Americans were SO proud.
In Memory of Mr.. Polk.
At the conclusion Of Mr.. Hannas speech
Mr.. Penrose (Pa.) offered a resolution ex-
pressing the sorrow of the Senate at the
| death of Representative Rufus X. Polk Of
Pennsylvania and providing for the ap-
| pointment of a committee of senator's to
attend the funeral. The resolution was
| adopted and the president named Senators
| Penrose and Quay pa Culberson CTeXas)
! Carmack (Tenn.), Gamble Is. d. and Pat
| terson (Col.) as the committee.
AS an additional mark Of respect the Sen
| ate than at AIS pm. adjourned.
WHEAT AND FLOUR TRADE.