Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-02-18
SHIP PURCHASE DEBATE BRINGS
OUT MANY NEW
IDEAS.
STEPHENS WOULD EN-
LARGE ON cuMMiNs' PLAN
Californian Favors Appropriation Of
S30,000,ooo With Which to Construct
Ships to Engage in Trade Between
Atlantic and Pacific Posts by Way Of
Panama Canal. =
Especial Correspondence

Washington, Feb 1S-The ship pur-
chase discussion has at least served
one good purpose and that is that it
has led to thought in congress on the
subject of the needs of the country in
the way Of merchant marine.
1t has led to presentation of various
plans of government ownership of
vessels. Senator Cummins has present.
ed one plan whereby the government
would buy or purchase fleet of ves-
sells to be used as naval auxliaries in
time of war and as commercial vessels
in time of peace.
Representative Stephens, Of Califor-
MIA, progressive party man. has pre-
sented a more comprehensive bill
along the same line as that of Senator
Cummins. 1t goes further in that 1t
provides for construction of new yes
sells entirely and would open up trade
between the Atlantic and Pacific ports
/ thru the Panama canal to these vessels
as well as trade to other countries.
Mr.. Stephens does not expect the plan
to be adopted but he believes it Will
lead good many people to consider
the subject of government-oWned
merchant marine. Mr.. Stephens today
made this statement concerning his
bill:
Aims Of Stephens Bill.
The bill favors the expenditure OF
$40, 000, 900 in the construction of ves-
sells to be used as naval auxiliaries in
time of war and merchant ships In
time of peace. They are to be con-
structed in Atlantic and Pacific coast
shipyards.
THE purpose of the bill is to round
out the navy by providing transports
and hospital ships for war time, and to
establish government-owned water
transportation lines thru the canal be-
tween the principal ports on the Pa
cific coast. and the principal ports on
the Atlantic dncluding gulf coast Of
the United States; also between Pa
cif1c and Atlantic ports Of the United
States and Mexico. Central America,
South America. and such other foreign
ports as from time to time the presi-
dent may designate.
IF the army and navy could add
such vessels as each can spare In time
Of peace, to the merchant ships now
operated by the Panama Railroad
Company, that company or any other
authorized to do SO, could regulate
rates and supply much Of the demand
for ships in the trade between our
+; eastern and western coasts. 1t could
also pioneer the way to South America
and to other foreign ports. There are
enough government-owned ships If at
once made available. to meet all water
transportation undertakings advisable
for the government to begin in the
next twelve months.
1--WE can build ships quickly Evil
dence given before the house commit
tee on naval affairs was to the effect
that one particular shipyard could con-
struct and deliver the first ship needed
within seven or eight months and can
deliver an additional one every two or
three weeks thereafter This yard with
others on both coasts can deliver ships
about as fast as needed.
THE bill creates no condition which
might involve us in war with any ma
ton. 1t makes no mention of purchase
1t authorizes construction only.
This bill will keep the s3O,O0o.0o0 at
home, and give work. wages and BUSH
ness to American workingmen. Ameri-
can merchants and American capital
"1n presenting this bill I have no
thought of doing away with private
lines. would not have the govern
,nent do business for less than fair
rates; but do think the government
should regulate ocean going rates as
far as possible, and should pioneer
trade between the United States and
Central and South America
THE traffic lines proposed can not
possibly pay money dividends for
many years. Until they do the United
States government should not ask in
dividuals to buy stock. The govern
ment should own it all