The Washington times., 1902-03-12
Florida Senator Says 1t IS
to Aid individuals.
AN INJUSTICE TO TAXPAYERS
Denies That Subsidized Steamers Would
Prove Public Help in Time of War
Mr.. Frye Objects to Catechizing by
Senator Allison

noon, and Mr.. Mallory of Florida, a
minority member of the Committee on
Commerce, made an argument against it.
Its promoters, he said, were acting on
the theory that it was proper and just for
the Government to furnish aid for build
ing up industries. if it could thereby pro-
mote the public veal. In its last
analysis it was a measure to take the
money of the taxpayers and use it to
build up the private business of in
dividuals and corporations.
An Element of Weakness.
He denied the value of subsidized steam
ers as auxiliary vessels in time of war.
and said that they could all be run down
by the enemy's cruisers or torpedo de-
stroyers: so that instead of their being
an element of strength, they would
really be an element of weakness.
Never in its history MIR. Mallory ex-
claimed. has Congress passed meas
ure of the character of the pending bill.
1t has passed many laws to advance pri-
vate gain, under the pretence of public
policy, but never one SO absolutely bald
and bold in its advancement of private
purposes
Il am deeply Interested Mr.. Mallory
declared, lin the rehabilitation of the
American merchant marine. l viii do
anything consistent to restore it to
footing of equality with that of other
nations. But now, Notwithstanding my
full appreciation of the Importance and
necessity of taking some steps to advance
progress in that direction. l cannot en-
dcrse a measure that is so absolutely at
variance with every principle of right
and Justice"
Mr. Frye Questioned.
A rather interesting debate On the bill
followed Senator Mailorys speech. Sem
ator Allison and others on both sides of
the chamber asked MIR. Frye great num-
ber of questions regarding some of its
minor provisions, and after time he
seemed to become trifie nettled by their
persistence
He referred to the "catechism' of Sena-
tor Allison and made some remark that
was not caught. This drew from Mr.. Al
lison a conciliatory reply to the effect
that he felt bound to learn all he could
OF the measure, as to matters which had
not been calculated in the discussion of
its broad features, and peace again
reigned.
about was to the arrangements by
which the older ships should be replaced
by newer and more efficient ones.
Only First Glass Ships.
Mr.. Frye's reply TO that was that the
bill required ships lin order to get sub
sidy) to be No. l.
But" Mr.. Allison persisted. suppose
they do not continue 20 be A No l. What
then? Is there any safeguard in the bill
that will serve TO protect the Govern
ment?''
Mr.. Perkins (Rep.. Cal) undertook to
satisfy Mr.. Allison on this point, but he
was asked by the Senator from Iowa
whether, if he were going to buy ship,
he would pay the same price for one just
of the stocks rather than one that had
been FIVE or ten years in service.
THAT would depend" said Mr. Perkins,
ION where the ship was built and how it
was cared for. have known ships that
were only five years old not fit for sea,
and / have seen Dutch galloon 100 years
old quite seaworthy."
Subsidy for Coastwise Ships.
Mr. Allison enquired whether, under the
bill. vessel engaged in the coastwise
trade and enjoying the exclusive advan-
tages of American ships in that trade
could leave it and become engaged in the
foreign trade and receive the subsidy pro-
viced IN the bill.
Mr.. Frye said that vessel might leave
New York for Savannah in the coastwise
trade. and might at Savannah clear for
Brazil in the foreign trade; she would be
entitled to the benefits Of the coastwise
trade as far as Savannah, and would then
be entitled to the subsidy under the pend
ing bslI. He added that a vessel from
New York to Manila would not be entitled
to subsidy.
why" Mr.. AllIscu asked.
Because" Mr.. Frye answered, "she is
engaged in the ccsstwise trade
Seeking Information.
seeking information as to the matters
in the bill. because, although speeches
were made upon it. they did not touch the
small matters which he wished to en-
quire about.
Have not you got information in these
speeches ?'s Mr.. Hanna enquired.
Yes, on some of the leading points,
Mr. hIIfson renlfed 'but the Senata will
have TO vote on this bill next Monday, and
am satisfied that the subsequent pro-
ceeding respecting this bill will inter
est US no more [Laughter.l
Senator Spooner wished to know some
thing as to the difference OF subsidy un-
der this bill and the present law. Mr.
Frye confessed to ignorance on the point
Mr. SDooner said the information was
important. ard asked where he could get
It, But Mr.. Frye could not answer this
either
Senator Allison called the attention of
Senator Frye TO the provision Of the bill
which stiDIlates that ships sailing to the
Philippine Islands or stopping there on
voyages to other points shall be entitled |
TO subsidies. He called attention to the |
fact that under the Philippine tariff bill |
recently passed there is a provision that |
the United States coastwise laws shall be |
applied 10 the Philippines after 1904. He |
said that unless some amendment were |
made to the shipping bill ships after that |
date could receive subsidies and partici- |
pate IN the benefit of the coastwise laws |
at TIE same time,
Senator Frye acknowledged that some |