Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-11-13
Addresses Academy of
Political S nee at
New York DEGREES
Attempt of Admins
tration to Resuscitate
Government Owner
ship and Tenders An
other Plan

New York. NOV I--l n4ted states
Senator John W. Weeks Of Massachu
sets was the foremost figure tonight
among q notable gathering Of the
country's most prominent students of
the development Of American shipping
al the annual meeting Of the Acade-
my of Political Science. The sessions
Of the convention opened today and
will continue Saturday.
William G. McAdoo. secretary Of the
treasury. was unable TO be present,
owing to death in his family and his
place on the program was taken by
Senator Robert F. owen Of Oklahoma.
Another popular speaker who is at
tenaing the convention is L. S. Senator
Fletcher Of Florida
Suggestions Offered
Revision Of the navigation lines, a
government subsidy to a limited num-
Der of steamship lines OF South Amer
lea, the Far East, Australia and
South Africa, repeal Of the seamen's
act and the appointment Of govern
inert board Of shipping experts TO con-
sloer the maritime situation and
frame recommendations for new
law were among suggestions made to-
day by speakers during discussion
Of methods for upbUilding the Ameri-
can merchant marine al the opening
meeting here today Of the Academy of
Political Science.
enforcement Of q policy insuring
freedom OF The seas and possible
modification Of the antitrust law to
permit Industrial and commercial con-
Germs TO combine in conducting foreign
trade also were advocated. Govern
:nent ownership Of vessels was both
recommended and condemned.
Senator Weeks Address
Senator Weeks summarized the f.
nancial advantages to America accru-
ing from building up of our shipping
ano pointed to the possible influence
on The efficiency of our navy
In speaking of the tendency Of the
Wilson administration toward govern
ment ownership. Senator Weeks de-
clared:
Coz ernments are not ORGANIZED for
the purpose of conducting business.
They cannot, and never have. produced
economical results in any business ac-
tIVlty, and therefore ! greatly regret
the hcly-announced intent Of the
administration TO revive the govern
ment-owned and operated shipping
legislation which was considered and
defeated last winter
he offered the suggestion that the
necessity for more ships might be
met If the United States government
furnished aid TO private lines of
steamers constructed under the direc-
1lon OF the navy department with the
understanding that ships and crews
be transferred to the navy in case Of
need. BY this provision he said. the
saving TO the government would be the
equivalent TO the aid given
Senator Weeks address follows.
There is universal agreement that
some action should be taken which
VIII build up our merchant marine en-
gagged IN foreign trade We are paying
to steamship lines owned in other
countries about three hundred million
dollars annually for the purpose Of
transporting our products to their
markets and bringing 10 our shores
those articles which We need. This
mas an important influence on the ef-
nclency of our Navy. and il adverse
~ affects our exporters By competing
them TO deliver their goods through
the medium Of their competitors.
Moreover. We have recently had
brought to our attention, in most
striking manner the fact that if We
continue such policy our foreign
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