The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-30
The Magnificent Harbor of Valparaiso. Chile, the Finest on the West Coast of South America, Where an
 American Steamship Is
 Never Seen. ee

question receive from the governments of Amer. ica the attention it requires.
 It is but natural that lines, unless compelled to do otherwise should slight ports where trade languishes in favor of ports where the oppor- tunities for profit are for the moment greater But when nations in furtherance of policy of trade extension establish lines that in- tended to furnish connections, they should in sist that trade engagements should be carried out and ports that have right to proper serv- ice should not be dscrminated against. A rec. ommendation to this effect is submitted.
 In contemplating the splendid conception of a Pan-American Railroad we must not lose sight of water communication. While great through lines of steam communication are sential we must bear in mind the fact that local traffic, too is of supreme. value, and, in many cases indispensable for feeding the large ports So, with view to securing an un- broken steamship service north and south on both the east and west coasts including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. it is recommended that lines be established to sup ply the missing links. And, further, that inter- mittent service may be avoided, 1t is suggested that all connecting links be required to cooper ate in arriving and departing so as to avoid in- termittent handling of freight, mail and pas sengers.
 Tnere are cases where vessels touch at American ports on northbound voyages but go on to Europe and return to the South without calling on the return voyage. Careful study of reciprocal possibilities should be made in such cases and every effort exhausted to provide a return cargo warrs nting call on the way back.
 Since the committees duty was to inquire into the means for securing lines of steamers, it is but natural that cognizance should be taken of such factors as will secure that per manence in trade conditions that will warrant initial expenditure and insure their profitable employment. Demand for American bottoms to provide for progressive hettermtnt must be based upon stable conditions For this reason the committee feels compelled to call attention to the need in this connection of direct bank ing and cable service and common system of weights and measures.
 Owing to the many different forms of encour- agement used your committee has not felt justi- fled in recommending specific means for start ing new mail lines. Bat study of trade con ditions holding in the various States has shown numerous wise and commendable instances of government encouragement based upon that patriotic statesmanship and foresight that strengthens for the State that great pillar of national greatness and material prosperity ocean transportation.
 Referring to my own country. what have seen has convinced me that there should be in the maritime policy of the United States one paramount principle. namely:
 That the vessels running from the ports of the United States of America to the ports of other American States should be at least equal port in Europe, and of such speed that dura- tion Of voyages under analogous conditions shall be less from the ports of the United States than from the great commercial ports of Flu. rope.
 And now before ending this analysis of com. mittee suggestions let me say personal word Meeting and knowing another here has brought us close together-visting and know ing one anothers countries will bring our coun- tries closer together.
 visit to the United States would quickly demonstrate that many of the alleged obstacles to closer commercial relations imaginary or subject to simple adjustment to accord with south.
 The steamship connections will soon be in existence. In the meantime. and in prepara- tion for more intimate relations. tell your peo- pie to come to country, where sincere welcome awaits them. and we shall tell our neople to go to yours.