Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-18
MERCHANT MARINE

on account of the known preiudice
against ship subsidy in the states of
the interior, statesmen have been slow
70 talk OF 1T before audiences made I'm
Of the people of the plains. Secretary
shaw was bold enough to assert him
self upon this question in Iowa and
other western states, and was among
the first, If not the first. Former
Governor Herrick in his speech as
temporary chairman of the Ohio renuh.
llcan state convention gave expression
as favoring the development of a mer-
chant marine that will be a credit and
honor to the nation. And a few DAYS
ago Vice President Fairbanks strong.
ly endorsed the proposition in speecb
widely quoted throughout the west. al
though 1t was delivered in New Hamn.
shire. --'iA' =
IN Iowa and the adjoining states it
mas been hard to enthuse the people
on this subject, one reason probably
pelng the distance from the sea and
accurate knowledge Of the true situa-
tlon. 1t also seems to be hard for
them to understand why the men of
wealth are unable to build ships and
compete with a profit with the ships
mat sail under foreign flags. 1t is a
fact, too, that the Standard Oh com
pany uses its own ships for carrying
It's product, and for some reason those
sail the seas under flags that are
strange to the American
1t is set forth as an argument for
a subsidy that this course is followed
in other countries, and that that seems
to be the only method by which the
Ie rr;xy
the United States.
One OF the reasons probably why
the people are little slow in deter
mining what course they want to pur-
sue in relation to paying subsidies, is
the uncertainty as to who is going to
get this money. That may be imma-
terial as long as they get what they
pay for, but public opinion would hard
ly be calm If it was turned over to the
Standard Oil company or any kindred
corporation. AS has been stated. that
may be immaterial, but the people will
be slow to favor any organization
that is under indictment both in the
public mind and in numerous courts
Of the nation.
On the subject of merchant marine
Mr.. Fairbanks said:
We live In an era Of progress, a
period OF many rapid and marked
changes in our social and industrial
life.
AS we contemplate our foreign
commerce, we are amazed and humil-
ated to observe that the greatest
share of our commerce with foreign
countries is carried under the protect
on of alien flags. Less than 10 per
cent of 1T is carried In our own yes
sells.
This certainly is out of harmony
With the spirit of American expansion
The United States does not need to
axe second place to any nation in
carrying her own commerce upon the /;
eas. There is no good reason why ,
We should not have a merchant mar ,
ne worthy Of the worlds respect. AS ,
stands today 1t is so Insignificant as s
o be an object of contempt and de- :
lsion among the great commercial car !,
ying powers.
'The subject is one of vast magni. s
ude and it will continue to receive i
he consideration of American states +
aen, capital, labor, genius, and enter {
rise until we have attained our right +
I'll place as one of the foremost car 8
lers Of commerce into all the ports of 9
he earth" =
In those words the matter Is put be- t
ore the people as a general PROPOSE Il
on, and so far as his statement goes o
is clear enough for any person to
gree with. Perhaps it is not consid- +
red wise to discuss the details of the Il
uestion until sufficient sentiment has n
cen created in favor of the industry. s
oubtless, H. is one of the things that n
Ill come toAthe United States in time, q
oil oshas 9inas Of industry possible tt