New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-08-02
Measure Is Designed to
Induce Foreign Built
Ships TO Register Here
SPEAKER PROMISES
ACTION TOMORROW
Only Hope of Getting Enough
Boats for Ocean Commerce
of u. S. During War.
- - TrIhune Bureau-

Washington, Aug. The certain
congestion OF commerce on the high
scas As a result OF general European
war led President Wilson and Repre-
sentative Underwood to agree to-day
or = bill to liberalze the laws cover
ing the American registry Of foreign
built ships and the making Of plans 70
nut the emergency measure through
the House Monday.
Returning TO the Capitol, Mr.. Under
wood held a conference with Speaker
Clark. At which il was agreed that
motion should be entertained Moneay
10 suspend the rules ard pass the 81
ninist-ation bill. Only the early al
iournraent Of the House to-day, coca
stoned BY the absence Of 8 quorum
while Mr.. Underwood was at the NhlIe
House. prevented consideration tbs al
ternoon. -
Three important changes are pro
posed in the existing laws IN the nope
that a sufficient number OF l5geish-
built vessels will apply for American
registry and make possible the carry
,nc Of a representative portion OF the
oversee shipping. The first amendment
v.aives the requirement that foreign
vessel 20 apply Tor American reglstra-
tion shall not be more than I'VE years
old. The second gives the PreSldeht
sutboritv TO waive the provision that
v,stcb officers Of American vessels IN
the foreign trade shall be citizens OF
his country. and the thiri authorizes
the President to suspend ne provision
~ ifn;,od States officer shall make
a survey. inspection and measurement
OF such vessels.
Mr. Underwood said he did not know
n what extent the proposed hberallza-
(ion OF the registration laws Woula re
rc,,. tho nresent situation. The House
loader has hopes. howe'er, that Il VIII
a. least nave an appreciate effect upon
Sisastrous war conditions and will tend
"a The upbilding Of tn American mer-
liant marine. The laDentable fact that
the limited States has practically no
Merchant marine was emphasized at to-
days conference.
The majority lester contended that
under the registration law vessels ny
inc the American dag would be per
united TO take fo,dstuffs to stricken
Furope. although me protection OF the
American flag woild not extend, oil
course. 10 contrahnd of war.
Tho administration bill, as agreed
uDon nv The PRECEDENT and Mr.. Under
wood. was made public by the latter
and provides: c..
wears old at te time they apply Tor
recis+rv; in Seton 5 Of the act en-
titIed IAN act @ provide for the open
ne maintenarce, protection and opera
tion of the Palama Canal and the sam j.,
tation and government OF the Cahai
Zone arc herby repealed.
Section 2. That the President o.
the United States is hereby authorized,
whenever inhis discretion the needs OF
foreign commerce. may require, to.sus-
mend by orer, so far as he may deem
desirable. ne provisions OF the law
nrescribingthat all the watch ofheers
If vessels 81 the United States regis
tered for ioreign trade shall be clu-
zens of the United States.
"I-nder ike conditions, IN like man
nor and 70 like extent, the President OF
the Unitd States is Nalso hereby au-
thorized % suspend the provisions OF
law reoIring survey, inspection anC
,reasurenent by officers of the United
states a foreign-built vessels admitted
"a American registry under this act.
"Sectpn 3. This act shall take effect
immediately"
Cbiego. Aug. 1.-The Chicago Board
Of Traae adopted resolutions at a spe-
cial meeting this afternoon urging the
fedora government to amend the nav