The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-07
Must Have Farm Products

Must Have Farm Products
 Europe must have wheat and other farm products to feed it's fighting millions. America is practically the only country not involved in the struggle which can supply them. But without ships to carry these products, the supplies are cut off. for Europe does the ocean carrying busi- ness.
 The United States must supply not only the food products but the ships to carry them, and the bill admitting foreign built ships to American registry was passed to accomplish that purpose Whether it is accomplished depends upon the number of owners of vessels who take advantage of the opportunity.
 It is believed here that the numbe will be large enough to take care not only of the fod products, but to great extent the other commerce of the United States Majority Leader Underwood pointed out that the bill would furnish ships carrying net tonnage of at least 232. 900 tons, with a possible increase later on from vessels from neutral countries that might take advantage of the law.
 Tn all probability several lines of steamers now operating under foreign flags in which citizens of the United States have large financial interests will apply for admission under the terms of the bill,' said Representative Stevens, ranking republican member of the interstate and foreign committee, in discussing the sit uation. Tt will unquestionably result in greatly increased prices abroad for the things the American farmer raises"
 It has been pointed out here that in all probability England will be our best mar ket Members also see a great field in South America for our products, particu- larly in manufactured goods and stee rails, nails and other iron products such as are produced in 'the Birmingham dis trict, for Germany will be cut off entirely from this trade. It Is pointed out that Russia can raise most of what she needs while Austria has Hungary a great az rioutural country, for her food supply France, too, is fairly well provided for not only with her large agricultural in- terests, but because she has a greater per capita wealth than any other European nation.
 Germany Hard to Reach
 Germany might prove to be good mar ket but for the fact that her ports will not be easy to reach, and her enemies will be active in preventing food supplies from reaching her. Starvation is one of the grave dangers the Kaiser will have to face. and it is said that his principal reason for invading Holland and Belgium was to furnish avenues through which he could secure foodstuffs.
 English ports. however, would not be odbJcSt lO uaubtT III dS great Il ueSTee, and her need for food will be acute should the war continue for any period. London alcne, with it's population of 5000, 600, would consume enormous quantities of American products since the British Isles are far too small to be able to furnish what their inhabitants need for food.
 Some members of Congress have sug- gested that the American Congress may have violated neutrality laws by the pass age of the registry bill Upon this point Majority Leader Underwood declared that there was no such violation.
 The only question involved in interna- tional law as to whether citizen of q neutral nation may buy ship In bell ligerant country" said MT. Underwood, lis the question of good faith If an American citizen or an American cor poration in good faith buys a foreign ship the title cannot be questioned Of course if it is subterfuge, then international complications may arise. 1t has been sug- Rested that the recent convention in Lon don provided all vessels purchased must have been transferred to the new owner more than 60 days before the declara tion of war. The proposition was suggested but it was vetoed by Great Britain and is rot part of international law today"