The Washington times., 1904-11-25
EXPERT VIEWS ON
MERCHANT MARINE.
Commission Hears Half
Dozen Speeches.
SECRETARY MORTON TALKS
Capt. A. T. Mahan and Navigation
Commissioner Chamberlain Com
ment on Shipping Problems.
SECRETARY MORTON TALKS

The Merchant Marine Commission ap-
pointed last spring by resolution of Con-
gress TO consider the needs of American
shipping and TO investigate maritime
. conditions on the Atlantic. Pacific and
gulf coasts and the great lakes, held its
second local session today in the SEN
ate District of Columbia Committee
room. Chairman Ganinger presided, and
the other members of the commission
present were Senators Lodge and Mar
tia and Representatives GrOsvenOr Of
Ohio. Miner of Wisconsin, and Spight
, of Mississippi.
Secretary of the Navy Morton was one
of the speakers before the commission,
following Representative Parker Of New
Jersey. The Secretary said he came
more as a private citizen, because Of his
interest I'm the subject. than as head of
the department. He said he favored the
upbunding of a merchant marine and
thought it ought 10 be done In conJunc-
Jiun with the department, In order 10
make its services valuable in case OF
national need.
Many Officials Present.
Rear Admiral Stephen b. Luce. u. S.
N, retired, Rear Admiral p. +. Harring
ton. commandant Norfolk navy yard;
and Capt Alfred r. Mahan, e. 5. N
retired, the naval strategy expert, were
also in attendance. The first named
followed Mr., Morton and Captain Ma
han spoke next.
The heads of the Postofnce and Com
merce and Labor Departments had been
invited 10 attend and sent as their
Representatives Second Assistant Post
master General Shallenberger and Com
missioner of Navigation Eugene 7.
Chamberlain, respectively.
Captain Usher. L. S N. on duty at
the Navy Department, spoke at length
on the naval view of expanding the
national merchant marine.
Talk of Subsidy.
Leaving out discriminating duties.
said Commissioner Chamberlain in re.
sponse 10 Chairman Gallinger. there was
nothing 10 do but grant a subsidy. The
present registry law, by itself, does not
do any good 10 American shipping He
then described his belief in the advisa-
bility. under certain restrictions. OF free
ships.
MIR. Chamberlain reviewed the history
OF American navigation from the begin
ming Of the nation he quoted percent
ages Of trade from Otner countries, es-
peclally Germany. and argued against
discriminating duties.
Treaties in the Way.
In answer 10 a query from Senator
Lodge. Mr.. Chamberlain admitted it
would be necessary TO abrOgate three
fourths OF the treaties now in force in
order TO reach the indirect imports from
foI eign countries. He spoke Of Russian
goods coming through French and Ger
man ports, and said in no general way
could they be distinguished. the only
recourse being 20 take up each cargo
dividually.
He then took up the trade with Cuba
Tecounting the special obligations under
the Platt amendment, and saving trade
might be restricted 10 ships Of the two
NATIONS under certain conditions. He
quoted eX-Assistant Secretary OF State
John BassetJ Moore as an expert on this
particular point.
The commission adjourned al o'clock
this afternoon, 10 meet again tomorrow
al III o'clock a. m. IN executive ses-
sion Tine hearings have been concluded.