The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-03-31
American Ships . Nat,ona, Necessity.

To THE EDITOR OF The SuN-Sir: 1t Is q
great pity that the chipping bill should be
imneriled through legislative disagreement
or jealousles between the House and the
Senate.
An American merchant marine Is to-day
the greatest need OF our industrialists. aGri-
culturists and shipbulders, apart from the
fact that constructive craftsmanship should
have years ago forced the enactment Of this
great arm Of commerce. Not alone is 1t q
national enterprise that has never received
protection, but 1t Is q difusive non-sectional
prosperity promoter. Oversee shipbuilding
will in a few years take a place In the front
rank Of our prominent industries.
We shall be embarrassed In shipping our
exports and imports more than ever. since
last year our volume of trade increased over
the previous years records more than $780,
900, 900. ON national commerce for 1905 viii
reach 90, 900, 900, 900. We carry in American
built ships less than 5 per cent. ri this great
commerce-a most hnmlliating fsctl
From current reports foreign shipping
lines are chartering additional vessels to
carry American freights. In the event of a
foreign war, annually menaced, we would
lose millions of dollars q year, on account
Of not being able to deliver promptly our
exports or to forward imports: this latter
disability would cripple our home commerce
by not being able to secure raw materials.
| IL IN u q w III
either dilemma. and yet We oan fairly lay the
foundations Of a merchant marine by COM
mencing to build steamships and vessels in
1908.
1t 10 a purely national economic necessity
either for the protection Of our established
and developing the forces that
Will be Of inoalcula BILE service to our navy or
for war emergencies. Our commerce., how
ever, has the greatest claim for the prom pit
enactment OF a liberal subsidy act.
l hope that Speaker Cannon will waive his
prejudices and listen to the patriotic demands
and needs Of the nation to relieve the situa-
ton by our becoming independent. There
Is not a single sound argument for defeating
the Senate shipping bill that is worthy OF con-
slderation. The creation Of oversee ships on
even a broader plan than that adopted by the
| Senate will be immensely profitable to Amer
lean interests, its labor field. manufactures.
raw materials and capital. in permanently
establishing this great protective industry.
There Is no risk in the measure. The enter
prise cannot be unsuccessful. since 1t Is an
absolute necessity.
Foreign influences are being exerted In
every direction: their representatives In and
out Of Congress are influential, resourceful
and desperate, and their funds are unlimited.
There Is In the mere shipping profits alone
| for carrying our immense and increasing
exports and imports more than s35 900 900
a year, so you must believe the statement
that II money will defeat an American ship
ping bill. as II has In the past. foreign in-
fuences will again dictate our national
shipping policy.
Let US believe In the triumph Of patriotism
and that the House will enact a subsidy act
even broader than that passed by the Senate.
GEORGE j. s%KAsURY.
NEW YoRK. March 20.