Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-05-17
Marine Engineers and Mer.
camille Interests Breach
Big Project
WANT ALLIANCE WITH BELGIUM
Foreign Markets Could Be Invaded
With Opening Of Panama Canal and
a New Entente = Country Needs
Larger Market-Germany May Be
Let in to Port Of Antwerp.

Washington. May lit has just
been learned that representations have
been made to President Roosevelt and
to the secretary of commerce and la
Dor. by representatives of the Ameri-
GAN marine engineers and others IN
terested in American mercantile ma
rine of a project whereby this country
can enter into direct competition with
the present foreign-owned TRANSACT
lantic lines of the highest class
The matter Is now being discussed In
project involving as it does, the port
of Antwerp Belgium, is receiving es-
pecial attention, because the possibility
is suggested in several quarters that
this country may gain a foothold in
Europe that could be gained in, no 9TH
er way. This would come under ship
building agreement with Belgian (eith-
err the government or with private per-
sons) whereby ships for the new trans
Atlantic line could be built upon both
sides of the ocean.
The discussion has arisen because Of
the presentation of a plan for the en-
largement of the port of Antwerp with
the idea of making it the great sea-
port of Europe.
This plan. known as the .'projet-
meer," which is the joint work of c. V.
Nicer, distinguished public man Of
Antwerp. and Van Merle, an engineer
of European repute, proposes extensive
engagements of the port of Antwerp,
the expenditure of $40, 100000 and the
removal of the $4,000 square meters Of
ground in the lowlands along the river
Scheidt, and the building of drydock
large enough to be available for the
largest ship afoat
The government of the United States
will be asked to study the project, and
itNis expected that the governments
representatives to the American sea
congress, which convenes in Bordeaux,
France, next month. will be asked to-
take up the matter for the closest ex-
animation and study.
1t has been pointed out to President
Roosevelt that the completion of tne
Panama canal will furnish ample just
ification for the entrance of this coun-
try lin the maritime world as a factor.
if for no other reason that to main
tain lines which shall operate on seas
which both ends of the canal will
touch. 1t will need a greater market
than this country now has. and a
European foothold is, 1T has been
pointed out an essential.
The chief reason given in assuring
the president that the chance of COM
petition with the English and German
lines is practical, is that it is cheaper
for the shipper. even under present
conditions, to ship to and from Ant
werp to continental points than by
way of either Bremen or Southhamp-
ton.
Belgium long has dreamed of "a
mercantile marine, and it is believed
would jump at chance for an inter-
country agreement with the Upited
States.
1t is believed that the method that
will. for diplomatic reasons, be adopted
in bringing about an examinations and
study and an agreement on the pro-
ject, will be to make the representa-
lions thru an accredited intermed-
larry.
suggested by several in touch with the
situation, that as the Germans are
likely to enter the field and use the
port as soon as the meer plan is
adopted, triple maritime alliance OF
America, Belgium and Germany may
be affected. It is said that the Amer
leans interested here especially favor
the Belgian idea.