The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-08-24
BOARD IN ROW
over BRITA|N'S
SHIP DEMANDS
Split Over Request to Give Up
Control of Communicated
Vessels.

Washington Aug. 24-The ShipA
ping Board wrangled for more than
two hours yesterday over the de-
mands of the British government that
the United States relinduish control
of the British ships under construc-
ton. These ships have been COM
mandeered
The board reached no final deci-
sion, One element in the meeting,
which prolonged the argument, was
headed by r. B. Stevens Of the board.
This element, it was stated last night,
favors surrendering to British con-
troll the million or more tons Of ship
ping being built in American yards
for British account. The controversy
last night assumed the proportions of
great international question. Mem
bers of the Shipping Board fatty de-
clined to discuss the matter. Chair
man Hurley said:
''The Shipping Board has already
ordered the Communicating of all
ships Of above $500 tons dead weight
capacity. I cannot discuss the mat
ter further"
It was learned, however, that the
america First element in the Ship
ping Board has begun a determined
fight to defeat the British negotia-
tons for the control of the COM
Wandered ships.
A sudden submarine offensive, re-
sulting in great loss Of American
ships, might find the Shipping Board
without vessels and absolutely. de-
pendent upon the allied nations in
Europe for shipping to supply the
troops. Such a condition, according
to some members of the board, would
be intolerable, as the Shipping Board
would be directly responsible.
American troops, it was argued,
should be supplied by American ships,
and there should be always on hand
an ample supply of American vessels
to insure the prompt transport Of
both ships and men.
The granting of the British de-
nand for the restoration Of the come
Wandered tonnage it was learned
last night, would place the United
States in the position of 1oaning
Great Britain money to take advan-
tage of American resources for the
benefit of the British merchant ma
rine.
When the negotiations were in pro-
gress some months ago for the loan
of 81 900, 100000 to Great Britain by
the United States, the Treasury De-
partment required the British nego-
tiatots to state clearly what the
money was to be spent for. For some
days negotiations were held up be-
cause the British representatives were
not prepared to say what some $780,
100000 Of the proposed loan was to
be used for. Then it developed that
the money was desired to finance in
very shipping in American yards
which the Shipping Board has COM
Wandered.
The board has determined upon a
policy by which the exorbitant freight
rates charged at the present time will
pay a large part of the extra expendi-
lures involved in building up an
American merchant marine. Ship
owners or charterers will be allowed
to make fair profit on government
contracts.
The plan worked out by the Ship
ping Board is this: A fiat rate will
be fixed on all war commodities. This
rate will allow a reasonable profit.
On cargo space not taken up by the
| government or given over wholly tc
private shipments, the board will al
| low the market freight rate. From
| this, however, will be deducted pei
cent. of the excess above the govern
| ment's price, which will go to the
shippers, along with the nat wal
price, and the remainder of the e1
cess will be turned back into a sink
ing fund. The sinking fund Will %
J used to defray insofar as possible the
| inflated prices which it is conceded
will have to be expended in carrying
| ont the boards program.