Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-01-19
SHIP PURCHASE
BILL IS BEFORE
SENATE AGAIN
Republican Opposition Indicat-
ed by Sharp Attack by
Burton, Who Gives Notice
of Further Speeches,

WASHINGTON, Jan. iS-Administra
ton leaders of the senate succeeded
in again launching the government
ship purchase bill on the legislative
ways, after ten DAYS OF delay dur
ing consideration Of the District Of
Columbia appropriation measure. Re-
publican determination to fight the
ship bill was reasserted as soon as
the senate had adopted, SO to "a, a
motion by senator Fletcher TO pro-
coed TO its consideration.
Senator Burton resumed his at
tack on the measure which he began
nearly two weeks ago. He talked for
several hours and indicated that later
he would speak on other phases OF
the legislative situation. with partiou-
lar reference to President Wilson'S
recent speech at indianapolis and the
Chicago speech by Secretary McAdoo
on the ship purchase bin. He objected
particularly today to the government
ownership feature Of the ship hill and
insisted that the government should
not go into the ocean transportation
venture without first definitely know
ing what ocean routes were to he
traversed.
Amendments by Democrats.
Important amendments to the
government ship purchase bill were
discussed at caucus Of senate dem
ocrats today with view of perfect
Ing the measure 80 as to reduce the
unalterable opposition from rcpuhl-
can sources. No final action was tak-
On. all amendments being referred to
the commerce committee, which viii
report To another caucus tomorrow
night
An amendment suggested by Sem
ator lloSe smith OF Georgia would
provide that the government, after
the purchase or lease of ocean-golng
ships, should first offer them to
American private individuals or cor
porations upon terms that would
equal at least 4 per cent on the IN
vestment.
The method of Incorporation of the
proposed shipping corporation to
operate the government vessels also
was referred back TO the committee.
Senator Bankhead proposed an
amendment which would establish In
the department OF commerce a mer-
chant shipping bureau. directors of
which would consist Of the secretary
Of commerce as chairmani the sec
rotary of war, the postmaster gener-
al and four expert civilian members
The bureau would control the ship
ping corporation.
Rural Credits Resolution.
AT the outset of the democratic
caucus tonight. Senator Robinson Of
Arkansas, offered resolution which
was adopted without dissent. to pro-
vide for rural credits legislation at
an early date. opinion on the subject
was divided. but most of the senators
said later that there seemed to be no
chance OF getting action on rural
credits bin at this session..
The resolution adopted was as fol-
lows:
"ResoNed. That the committee on
banking and currency Of the senate
be requested to prepare a bill pro-
vlding for system Of rural credits
and that 1t is the sense OF the eau
Gus that the same be considered by
the senate at the earliest practicable
date"
1t was expected by some of the
senators that the earliest
practicable date" might mean at this
session, if time would permit, during
an extra session II one be imperative,
after March 4. or at the regular ses-
sion Of the Sixty-fourth congress- be-
ginning next December.