The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1908-01-01
open CAMPAIGN
FOR SHIP SUBSIDY
MERCHANT MARINE LEAGl O.
HOLDS BlI MEETING At CITY
or CLEVELAND.

or CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND. o.. Dec. 2l--For the
purpose of arousing enthusiasm aud
briuging every possible pressure to
bear upon Congress Ia the interest OF
ship subsidy, the friends Of a Govern
ment merchant marine gathered here
today on the OCCASION of meeting OF
the Merchant Marine League Speech
es were delivered by prominent Sena-
tors and Congressman Nearly every
tato and large business interest in
the country especially marine inter
csts were represented
Il is believed that the obtaining OF
The pending mail subsidy would estab-
fish the general subsidy principle,
which eventually will result IN the
government giving support To marine
interests
Ex-Governor Herrick presided and
Truman H. Newberry, assistant sec
rotary of the Navy, spoke in favor of
subsidies. Referring to report of
Admiral Dewey in 1905, that on the
basis OF strength of twenty-five bat
tle-ships the Navy would require from
the merchant marine in a serious war
approximately 100 vessels and many
tugs, Mr. Newberry pointed out that
the vessels, especially of the larger
size do not exist in sufficient num-
bers in the American mercantile ma
rine. The present cruise of the United
States battle-ship fleet, the speaker
said, is giving sharp and unwelcome
proof of this point. All of the coal re-
quired by the fleet, except a small por-
ton conveyed by regular Navy col
tramp" steamers, because there were
not enough American steamships
available, even though President
Roosevelt offered to pay American
ships a rate Of so per cent lighter than
that given to foreign vessels.
William S Greene of Massachusetts,
chairman of the merchant marine
committee in the House of Represent
atives, said There is a great senti-
ment against ship subsidy in the cen
trail Western states simply because the
people of that district do not under
stand the question. This must be a
lack of education. We will never OBJ
tain a merchant marine until the peo-
pie drive Congress to action
w. e. Humphrey of Seattle, in an
address upon why America Is Losing
| Its Pacific and Oriental Trade" arous-
ed the auditors to frequent applause
+ He explained what Congress was do
ing regarding a subsidy and what II
is to do He devoted most of his time
to the condition upon the Pacific oce-
an. He said there were now only eight
American merchantmen upon the Pa
cific ocean, whereas about year age
/ there were about fifteen, and in the
near future all will pass from the Pa
cific unless something is done by the
| Government
1--WE have wasted our opportunities,
( he said, and have wasted our time
| in talking about trade following the
flag. Japan has taught us valuable
lesson. From practically every stand
point Japan's great victory over Rus
STA in the late war was due to ship
subsidy. Japan is gaining the mastery
of the Pacific. I do not believe there
will be war with Japan, and ] Will dc
all in my power to prevent it, but II
It should come / want my country to
be prepared.
I'VE are willing to subsidize oul
rivers and harbors and our railways
but not our merchant marine upon the
high seas. / do not believe the peo'
pie of this country are content to spent
500, 600, 900 a year in the building of
great Navy without providing for al
auxiliary fleet. What will it avail us
to have scores of vessels If we cannot
man them? We must have this aux
iliary fleet of merchantmen to not on
" draw our sailors from in time Of
need. but to attend our big fighting
vessels. We cannot borrow vessels
from other nations in time of war
The best measure Of peace is always
to be ready for war"
-SsS