The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-08-15
INTRODUCES BILL FOR
ESTABLISHMENT OF A
MERCHANT MARINE
'(Charles Brooks Smith)

(Charles Brooks Smith
WASHINGTON. D. c.. Aug. 15.-
Judge Hunter H. Moss, Jr., represent
ing the Fourth district OF West vir-
ginia, introduced in the House today
the most comprehensive bill yet in
troduced with reference to building
up our merchant marine at this par
ticular juncturc, when the European
war furnishes such unusual oppor-
.tunitics therefor.
Before introducing the bill Judge
Moss spent considerable time in con-
ference with high navy officials, ana
they have sanctioned the plan of tho
bill. Judge Moss claims that at this
particular time, when the CONNER
cial vessels of other nations are tied
up. the United States has a magniH-
cent opportunity 10 establish itself
as one Of the leading maritime ma
lions OF the world, and to cultivate
out long-ncglected trade with South
America and other Countries and
thereby ;bcstow great benefit upon
the farmers. merchants and produc-
ers of the United States.
The bill provides that tho secretary
of the navy shall. either by purchase
or construction. procure vessels that
will belbest suited for double pur-
posc-namcly, first, to be used as
auxiliary ships to the navy Of the
United States in time OF war. and
second. to be used for the transporta-
tion of mail; freight and passengers
on the high seas In time of peace. The
secretary Of the navy is granted full
authority to make contracts for the
latter purpose. Not only would tho
passage OF the bill quickly procure
the much desired nucleus of great
merchant marine, which would be
self-sustaining and would probably
show a profit to the government, hut
IL would also provide a very valuable
addition to o,r navy when war Is
made against the United States. fur
.nishing different classes of,very nee
essary auxiliary warships whose mon
and officers would be already thor
oughly trained.
1t is true that the hill would cstab-
lish government ownership, but Il
would be an ownership by the gov.
crnmcnt OF its own warships, utilized
in time Of peace for commercial pur,
poses.
judge Moss expects to secure ar
carly hearing Of his bill before. thu
! committee on naval affairs. 7 /.
1 The text of the hill Is as follows;
a BILL
J Providing for the purchase of con
? structiOn of vessels for the navy. I,
/, he used for mail, passenger ant
freight service in time Of peace. an
as auxiliary ships of.the navy in tim
cf.war.
BE Il enacted by the Senate ant
House Of Representatives Of the Uni
ted States of America in Congress as
! scmblcd, that the secretary Of til,
navy hr, aud he is hereby. authorize,
and directed to secure by purchase
or by construction either in priyat
shiDyards Of the United States or Ii
the navy yards thereof, orsboth, a
many vessels suitable for use both Il
commerce as mall passenger o
freight ships, and also as adxiliar.
vessels OF the navy, such as fuel ships
transpnrt5, ammunition ships, dis
ratch boats. hospital ships. subma
rine and destroyer tenders. suppl
ships and scouts, as the amount here
I inafter appropriated for the purpos
will supply.
Il Section 2. That the secretary o
tile navy be. and he Is hereby, grant
1 cd full authority to charter or con
tract for the use Of said ships for com
mercial purposes at such compcnsa
tlen as he may in his discretion fis
with view to encouraging ,transpor
tstion in American bottoms Of mail
freight and passengers upon the ihigl
lseas. and also Of making said vessel
financially self-supporting in time Q
peace. s5S
Section 3. The secretary Of Til
navy Is hereby authorized and direct
Cd to properly man and equip sue
! Vessels, and the same shall at Al
times be under his supervision, di
Erection and control.
i Section q That the sum OF $40,
,oOo.00ots hereby appropriated out o
any, money in Che treasury of the Uni
ted States not otherwise appropriated
To carry into effect the provisions 0