Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-08-09
TO BUIlB MERCHANT MARINE
PROPOSED POLICY, II is BE-
LIEvED, WILL ATTAIN TO
THAT END.
RAILROAD OWNED VESSELS
THERE is DISCUSSION AS TO
WHETHER THEY SHOULD
ENJOY EXEMPTION

Washington, Aug. 9.-The senate's
amendment to the Panama canal bill
to admit to United States registry
can-owned-foreign-built ships
engaged in foreign trade only, and
pass them through the Panama canal
free of tolls, in all probability viii
receive no opposition from the adj
ministration. Secretary Nagel is COM
mitted to the idea. In his last annual
report he recommended the passage
of a bill for the admission of foreign
built ocean steamships to American
registry to engage solely in foreign
trade. This, he believed, would be
the beginning Of an American mer-
chant marine, extending shipping un-
der the United States flag in trade
with South and Central America and
the West Indies.
The provision, It is said, probably
would not affect transatlantic or
;trans-Pacific commerce, as there
would be no incentive for such ships
to assume the obligation Of American
registry The right 0f free passage
through the canal, however It is said
today hy officials Of the department
Of commerce and labor, probably
would bring ali the lines engaged II
traffic between the countries Of the
western hemisphere but flying flags,
under the Stars and Stripes. The
United Fruit companies and the New
York and Pacific Navigation compan-
les were cited as instances.
With vote on the Panama canal
bill and all amendments to it set for
5 o'clock this afternoon. the senate
began final consideration Of the meas
ure with a renewal Of the fight
against FaiIroad-owned ships. The
committee amendment providing that
railroad-owned vessel might pass
through the canal provided so per
cent Of its cargo was destined to for
eign ports. was the chief subject OF
discussion.
4 Senator Burton Of Ohio declared a
prohibition against railroad owned
ships from using the canal would re-
strict the full development of the
waterways The fear that railroads
could drive out all other ships and ul-
itimately control rates could be fully
met by adequate laws, he said
Senator Kenyon asked Senator Bur-
ton whether he believed the point had
been reached il American develop
ment where a regulated monopoly
must be recognized in railroad devel-
opment
THAT is practically It" said Sen
ator Burton
4 believe we are near the parting
Of the ways. said Senator Kenyon.
where We must decide between com
petition foT railroads. or combine
5tiona held under the control Of the
government Senator Burton said he
did not favor absolutely free use Of
the Panama canal BY railroad-owned
steamships, He favored control by the
interstate commerce commission OF
ships owned OF controlled BY rail-
roads.
The granting Of free tolls to Ameri-
can vessels engaged in foreign trade,
approved yesterday by the senate.
was attacked by Senator Lodge as
likely to be construed by foreign ma
tiOns as a violation Of existing trea-
ties.
"This is bound to raise serious
questions with other countries he
said.
He opposed the sweeping restric-
tions Of the Panama bill, as it passed
the house, against the control Of
steamship lines by railroads.