The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-01-08
Would 1,ur poor Vessels.


Washington. January 7.-Hepresenta-
tive Humphrey. of Washington, intro
duced bill to-day which provides for
the exclusion from United States ports
OF every foreign vessel in combina-
tons controlling rates. The Postmas-
ter-General Is directed to cancel any
existing mail-carrying contract with a
steamship company or vessel owner
connected with combination or pool
Almost at the same time Representa-
tive Knowland, OF California. dropped
into the Legislature hopper bill
carrying heavy penalties against any
railroad or common carrier which owns
stock in, or controls any water car
carrier likewise is prohibited from
owning stock in n railroad
These measures come on the heels of
the government suit begun in New
the dissolution of the Atlantic pool
under the Sherman anti-trust law. The
Department of Justice. through Attor-
neyGeneral Wickersham. Is directing
the suit.
Mr. Humphrey, who has pressed
vigorously for subsidy for American
ships. has been in close touch with
Accomplishment Wickersham during
the preliminary investigation of the
shipping pool. He urged the prosecu-
ton of the so-callcd Baltic pool. form
ed By foreign steamships trading at
Atlantic ports. and was disappointed
when informed this government was
powerlcss TO help itself.
Since the government has brought
suit" said Mr.. Humphrey. "the foreign
ship combine admits every charge
made against It, The only answer is
that the United states has no jurisdic-
ton. and therefore, II can continue
10 do as IL pleascs.
Fixed by Agreement.
"Thc conditions which exist as to
passenger rates prevail also in the
freight traffic. The rate on every
pound of freight and on every pas
rope and between here and South
America. is fixed by agreements made
In advance by this foreign monopoly.
There is not the slightest competi-
lion between any of the foreign steam
ships running from this country upon
either ocean. Not only are rates fixed
by agreement, but all these foreign
lines gives rebates and other advan-
tages to favored shippers.
Special rates are given by them
TO Standard Oil. TO the Steel Trust and
To the Harvester combine to such an
extent that competitors are absolutely
excluded from competing with them
on foreign countries
"There Is not n single method used
by any of the great corporations OF
this country to destroy competition.
increase prices and create monopoly,
that is not to-day practiced by this
combinations "f foreign ships. All this
is admitted by ,hem.
"Thls bill will give n remedy II none
now exists. | have not the slightest
doubt that the United States has alb
solute power to deny Inc foreign ships
In these combines the use OF our ports.
''This combination of foreign ships
is the greatest trust in the world. and
the foreign trade of this country Is
absolutely mt It's mercy"
The bill provides that any vessel not
of the United states which Is opera ted
in any combination or pool to ny
freight or passenger rates. or gives
rebates to favored shippers Is pro-
hibited from entering or clearing from
any port or the United States under
penalty OF s200 fine for each passcn-
ger and forfeiture of the cargo.