Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1916-02-04
NEW SHIPPING BILL
NOW IN CONGRESS
1T is AIMED TO BUILD UP A MER-
CHANT MARINE IN THE
UNITED STATES.
HAS MANY NEW FEATURES
To Regulate Interstate and Foreign
Commerce-Vessels Subject to War
calI-Use Private Money-GoV't
to Operate as Last Resort.

Washington. Details of the new
administration ship bill to build up a
merchant marine and naval auxiliar
les, revised to command the votes of
dissenting democrats, were made pub
lie this week for the first time. 1t
was introduced in the house by Chair
man Alexander of the merchant ma
rine committee, who will lead the fight
for its passage on the floor.
Not Like Other Bill.
The striking differences between
the new bill and the one which failed
in the senate last year are modifica-
lions of the government operation fea-
ture and broadening of the powers of
the shipping board which it is propos-
ed to create. Government operation,
under the new BILL would be entered
upon only as a last resort if private
capital fails to respond to the enter
prise The shipping board would be
empowered to regulate all interstate
and foreign commerce in American wa
ters as the interstate commerce COM
mission now regulates interstate rail
way traffic.
American Capital Urged.
Every effort has been made to draw
the bill so as to encourage American
capital to help upbuild the merchant
marine and to protect it from unfair
foreign competition. Government YES
sells never would operate on lines
where an American service was fur
nishing satisfactory service at fair
rates.
An initial appropriation of $50,000,-
900 for the purchase or lease of YES
sells, to be obtained by the sale of
Panama canal bonds, and the appoint
ment of the shipping board of five
members are the first objects of the
new bill.
Board Membership.
The secretary of the navy and the
secretary of commerce would be ex-
officio members of the board and the
other three members would be men
of large, practical experience" in for
eign commerce. They would be APP
$4,000 a year A secretary would re-
ceive $4,000 a year and the remainder
of the board employees, except an at
torney, would come from the civil ser
vice lists of the federal government.
With the $5O,0OO,O0O the board would
organize a corporation to lease, buy,
charter or build ships. 1t would be re-
stricted to the purchase of as many
American-made vessels as possible.
Ships constructed in foreign countries
would be limited to foreign trade only.
The board would offer stock to citi-
Eens of the United States, and if all
were subscribed the board need never
operate a ship, Falling to interest .pri-
vate capital, however, the board could
operate vessels. g. --.... .s.,. l...- o-'
Subject to War Call.
Both vessels controlled by the board
and those which had passed into pri-
vate hands by lease or charter would
be subject at all times to the call of
the president for use in war. Members
of the crews and officers could volun-
teer at any time for service in the
naval auxiliary and would receive from
IS to SIS month from the time of en-
hstment.
Liberal regulations for United States
shippers and more rigid rules for for
eign interests are contemplated by
that part of the bill prescribing the
powers of the shipping board. Here
are some of the features of those
clauses:
The shipping board and the inter
state commerce commission, acting
Jointly, could permit railroads to make
special rates for shipments in connec-
ton with steamships to encourage in
terror points to participate in the for
eign trade.
All common carriers, foreign and do
mestic, operating in American waters,
would be forced after January 1, 1917,
to obtain revocable licenses from the
board.
No vessel registered or enrolled I'M
der the laws of the United States could
be sold to a foreign country without
permission of the board. Failure to
observe that restriction would subject
the vessel to refusal of clearance pa
pers and the owner to a charge OF
committing a misdemeanor.
Vessels might be resold or leased
only to other United States citizens
and with the boards approval.
The outlook for the passage of the
bill in the senate, where it was killed
last year because of party revolt led
by Senator Clarke, now is considered
favorable.