New-York tribune., 1902-01-22
WHITE STAR NOT INCLUDED
SHIPPING MAN HERE DOES NOT BE-
LIEVE 1T WOULD ENTER
COMBINATION.

One we'll known shipping man yesterday said
that he could declare authoritativey that the
object of the visit to this country of steamship
men who are coming on the Celtic was to ar
range minimum passenger and freight rates.
Another steamship man said:
'In my opinion until Bruce Ismay comes here
and says the White Star Line has been sold
no one will believe it. All big lines have been
losing money on freight, and have laid aside
very little for depreciation in stock No deal is
consummated yet. This fact is evident by
the English marine lawyers coming over with
the Leyland Line and other officials to draw
up documents this side Whatever is done
here will be done in Philadelphia. The Cunard
Line is absolutely out of this DEAL because fully
twenty directors of that line would not under
any circumstances, permit an alliance with the
American Line.
THE financial end amounts to very little with
them. 1t Is the honor of being identified with
the Oldest North Atlantic passenger line with
Its close relations to the English Government
and so long as these exist the line will enter no
American agreement The Cunard and Ameri-
can war over rates has existed for years. and
recently the White Star Line was called in bv
them as arbitrator. The dispute was settled at
that time, but feeling has been very bitter ever
since between the two companies. and has in
creased now because the American Line intends
which the Cunard has long considered its own
field.
1T may be stated absolutely that the German
lines are not in the agreement They under
stand from past experiences that the English
Hhes nave not been able to agree. and they will
not enter into any compact with the American
and English lines until the latter have proven
the good faith of their alliance"
Ihls man said further that II was possible
that the Atlantic Transport Line and the Ley
land Line in a combination would lose their
identity 1T is almost certain that the Ley
land would" he said The White Star Line
is known the world over As matter of busi
ness policy it would not be wise to hurry the
White Star Line. If you buried the name of
the Whlte star Line in line known as the |
american 1t would thus, perhaps. drive some |
business now held by the White Star Line 70 |
the Cunard Line. Capitalization of the Of, |
fees of several different lines which have be- |
come thoroughly organized and disciplined in |
certain well defined policies in office would |
the system
AN argument for combination nv Mr. ,,organ |
Is that he has the steel industry and two lines |
OF transcontinental railroad under his thumb /
owing TO the construction of many big steam
shlps' the amount of available freight space IS |
now greatly in excess of the demand The re-
suit Is that freight rates have gone down and |
down and down. This year the corn crop was a |
faiiure' and there was stagnaton in the move
lnent or grain eastward. Those lines that have
had long term contracts made at rates prevail
Ing two years ago have been carried along.
Those which have not had these contracts are
feeling the effect of the low rates There is moth
Ing to-day to show any future Improvement in
the situation. Whenever such a condition has
existed In this country. combination has re-
suited. FROM this 1t may be argued that a
steamship combination is about to be formed"
It was rumored yesterday that Bernard "
Baker president of the Atlantic Transport Line
who arrived here from Baltimore on Monday
aight had conference here with Clement a.
iriscom. president of the International Naviea !
ion Company, yesterday.
Mr. Baker was seen by Tribune reporter last
evening at the Waldorf-Astoria He was nom |
about the shipping trust WHY
mould the visit to this country or few shipping
nagnates mean amalgamation or anything other
han pleasant visit for social purposes" he
Lsked AS to my having had a conference to-
lay with representatives OF other lines on mat
ers of business, simply must refuse TO an
wer any question connected with that saw
ir. Griscom socially to-day. and will saw that
e expressed himself as greatly amused bv ,he
ewspaper stories OF vast trust impending 7
ian TO be In the city for time to come
sincerely hope that sooner or later shall be
BILE TO do something to help American ship
ing"
Emil L. Boas the agent of the Hamburg
american Line here. was asked Yesterday
'hether DR.. Wiegand of the North German |
lloyd Steamship Company. and Herr Bauin |
mo are coming to this country on a Hamburg |
teamer next week. were to take part in |
ontereuce of steamship officials regarding the
OF transatlantic lines
- me Information have" said Mr.. Boas lis
u confidential and cannot discuss it"
He said the two men mentioned had already
cen in conference at Cologne and London with |
ther steamship officials on the subject OF So |
uring the regulation OF steamship traffic