The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-01-28
Committee Reports Measure
with Modifica-
tions
PROVIDES FOR
INCORPORATION
Prevents State Control of a
Federal Corpora
ton


copies of the substitute ship purchase
bill reported by the committee on com
merce were rushed to the Senate cham.
Der yesterday, when senators for the
first time were given a glimpse of a
measure on which the Democratic lead
ers are demanding instant action. The
most important change made provides for
Incorporation of the proposed corpora
ton under the laws OF the District of
Columbia, thus avoiding the inglorious
course of placing government institu-
ton in control of state, as the orig
inal bill proposed.
| Another radical provision nullifes on
| Dec. 81, 1915, all federal rules and regu
lations governing shipping, navigation
and water-borne commerce and substi-
tutes for them in that date such rules
and regulations as the shipping board
may make. How far-reaching this pro-
vision may prove to be can hardly be
predicted now, but ii would have the
positive advantage of bringing about
uniformity in the regulation of ship
ping. While this feature does not re-
peal the navigation laws, undoubtedly it
would place enormous administrative
power in the hands of the shipping
board, which thus might materially mod
fy many of the present effects of the
navigation laws. This feature of the
bill Is an after-thought, as the original
measure apparently was drafted without
reference to the limitations of existing
rules.
The postmaster general is eliminated
from the shipping board, which will con-
sist of the secretaries of the treasury
and commerce and three additional mem
bers, "two of whom shall be of practf-
cal experience in the management and
operation of steamships in the foreign
trade"
Vessels purchased or chartered may
not operate in the coastwise trade as
the bill provides that they shall engage
in trade only with foreign countries and
our own possessions. The provisions Of
the Weeks bill enabling the use OF naval
auxiliaries for commercial purposes are
inserted in the bill, which contains only |
a provision authorizing the president TO |
commander any or all the vessels Of the |
proposed corporation in time of emer
gency, with or without notice.
BY an express provision the capital
stock OF the corporation, so long as the |
United States owns majority is made
"free from all public taxes" The United |
States is required, however, never to
hold less than 81 per cent unless all Is
sold. A new provision evidently would
make il possible for the government cor
poration 10 charter or lease its vessels 20
concerns like the international Marine
the only requirement being
that such leasing corporation shall be
under the laws Of a state and
that majority of its stock shall be
owned by an American firm, citizen or
Twenty.one Democratic senators are
reported 10 be personally opposed 20 the
government ownership feature OF the
Dill. but only three are expected 10 vote
against, and these viii be more than off
set by four nominal Republicans--La
Clapp. Norris and Kenyon-who
ire expected to vote for the bill.
The veto Of the immigration bill, which
he Senate expects, may help the oppo-
ition, for the question Of passing over
he veto is debatable and can BE- made
o Weld important results. However,
he House must act first, and should the
Iouse fail 70 pass over the veto Of
curse the bill win die there. Should II
ONE across from the House, the ques.
ion IL not necessarily one Of high priv.
leee, lie position depending upon the
ne iority vote 81 the Senate More than I
wo-thirds Of the Senate. including most
4 the Democrats, favor the immigration [
IN, and should the question arise in lc
he upper branch. these gentlemen would q
e faced with the embarrassing question Z
neither % sacrifice the prospects u
ieasurs IN which they have keen per
onai interest fer one % which about
alf the Democratic senators are az
cart opposed. What the House will %
problematioai.