Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-08

preme matter of national self Sufhcien-
cy ana security in all its aspects.
There are other great matters which
will be thrust upon our attention
whether we will or not There is. for
example, a very pressing question OF
trade and shipping involved in this
great problem Of national adequacy.
1t is necessary for many weighty rea-
sons of national efficiency and devel
opment that We should have great
merchant marine. The great merchant
fleet we once used to make us rich,
that great body Of sturdy sailors who
used to carry our flag into every sea,
and who were the pride and often the
bulwark of the nation. we have almost
driven out of existence by incXcusable
neglect and Indifference and by hope
lessly blind and provincial policy Of
so called economic protection. 1t is
high time we repaired our mistake and
resumed our commercial independence
on the seas.
For it is a question of independence.
If other nations go to war or seek to
merchants, it seems, are at their mer-
cy to do with as they please. We must
use their ships and use them as they
determine. We have not ships enough
of our own. We cannot handle our
own commerce on the seas. Our indie
pendence is provincial, and is only on
land and within our own borders. We
are not likely to be permitted to use
even the ships of other nations in ri
valry of their own trade and are with.
out means to extend our commerce
even where the doors are wide open
and our goods desired. Such a situa-
tion is not to be endured. 1t is Of CAPT
tai Importance not only that the Unit.
ed States should be its own carrier on
the seas and enjoy the economic indie
pendence which only an adequate
merchant marine would give it, but
also that the American hemisphere as
a whole should enjoy like independ-
ence ard self sutiiciency, if it is not
to be drawn into the tangle of Euro
pean affairs. Without such independ-
ence the whole question Of our polit-
ical unity and self determination is
very seriously clouded and complicated
indeed.
Moreover. we can develop no true or
effective American policy without ships
OF our own-not ships of war; but
SHIPS of peace. carrying goods and car
rying much more: creating friendships
uril r6 flpl.;T, s,,Ii all
all interests on this side the water
They must move constantly back and
forth between tie americas. They are
the only shuttles that can weave the
delicate fabric OF sympathy. compre-
hension. confidence and mutual de-
pendencc in which we wish to clothe
our policy Of America for Americans
The task Of building up an adequate
merchant marine for America private
capital must ultimately undertake and
achieved every other like task among
rs in the r2st. with admirable enter
prise. intelligence and vigor. and 1t
seems to lie 4 manifest dictate Of wis
dom that VIC should promptly remove
every legal obstacle that may stand in
tbe way of this much 10 be desired re-.
vival of our old Independence and
should facilitate in every possible way
he building. purchase and American
registration OF ships. But capital can
not accomplish this great task Of a
sudden. 1t must embark upon it by
degrees, as the opportunities of trade
develop. Something must be done ut
ouce. done 10 open routes and develop
opportunities where they are rs yet
undeyclorc1, done to open the arteries
Of trade where the currents have not
yet learned 10 run. especially between
the two American continents. where
they are. sinGularly enough. vet to be
created and quicl.ened. and it is evil
dent that only the government can m
dertaEc such beginnings and assume
the initial financial risks. When the
risk has passed and private capital be-
gins 10 find its way in sufficient alum
dance into these new channels the gov
eminent may withdraw. Put It can
NOT OElil III beelll. II SHOULD take tne
first steps, aud should take them at
once Our goods must not lie piled up
Mt our ports and stored upon side
tracks III freight cars which a:e daily
needed on the roads. must not be left
without means Of transport to any for
cign quarter We must not await the
permission Of foreign shipownerS and
foreign governments to send them
where we will.
With Il view to meeting these press
ing necessities Of our commerce and
availing ourselves at the earliest posi-
bic moment Of the present unparalleled
opportunity of linking the two Ameri-
cas- together in bonds Of mutual inter-
est and service. an opportunity which
may never return again il we miss it
now. proposals will be made to the
present congress for the purchase or
construction Of ships to be owned and
directed by the government similar to
those made to the last congress. but
modified in some essential particulars
[ recommend these proposals to you
for your prompt acceptance with the
more confidence because every month
that has elapsed since the former pro-
posalS were made has made the ne