The Washington times., 1918-04-17
SCHWAB BEGINS
WORK SPEEDING
MERCHANT SHIPS

Charles NJ. Schwab, steel magnate
and shipbuilder, today began his task
OF developing Americas merchant
marine.
Drafted into the service by Chair
man Hurley, of the Shipping Board,
Schwab is counted on to realize Hur-
ley's dream OF great maritime
transportation system for this coun-
try to carry the forces to France that
will end the war-and develop the
country's commerce in all parts Of
the world after peace.
Schwab Immediately will launch
production. He will visit yards per-
men-snd he IS expected shortly TO
shake up many present methods and
working specifications.
steel Ships of 1000 Tons.
The building work will center on
steel ships of 1900 tons or mare.
Schwab's appointment viii serve to
relieve much of the red tape involved
in difficulties over shortage in fabri
Gated steel.
The smallest ship to be built after
present contracts expire will be
wooden vessel OF 5000 tons, and there
will be only a very small number OF
these built in Pacific coast yards
where lumber is available.
There il small chance OF ships be
low this tonnage being used any
where but in coastwise and West In
dian trade after the war. Even with
the present need for bottoms in the
transatlantic service, small vessels
are uneconomical. because large
part OF their cargo space is used up
through necessity OF carrying enough
coal for a round trip.
Concrete vessels are still in the eN-
perimental stage. Until their prac
ticability is shown. Government shin
building plans will move on a steel
basis.
The determination to build larger
ships that can hold their own in
peace times does not mean slowing
up completion Of ships, officials ex
plain. Building of the larger ships
can more than keep even with the
completions Of marine engines and
boilers for months to come. they pre-
dict.
The appointment Of Schwab to. a
post where he will have complete
supervision OF shipbuilding operations
is regarded here as definitely ending
the discussion on the merits OF wood
and steel ships which broke out in
the DenmRn Goethals controversy
nearly a year ago.
Schwsb. in addition 10 being one OF
the greatest figures in the steel
world. Is a practical shipbuilder.
With complete supervision Of op-
81
country, he is expected TO bring the
Shipping Board out Of the tangle into
which it has been plunged az result
NJ being forced to compete with the
War Department and Railroad Ad-
miniEtra tion in the rush for steel
This has been one Of the greatest
difficulties in the way Of hurrying
steel ship construction.
PieE Remains Vice PresIdent.
Charles Piez, who has been acting
as vice president and general man.
ager Of the Fleet Corporation, will
remain as vice president. The man
aEer post has been abolished
Chairman Hurley and other mem
berg Of the Shipping Board are not
affected by Schwab's appointment.
Homer Ferguson, head OF the new
Newport News Shipbuildlng Com
psny and president OF the Atlantic
Shipbuilding Association, will be
urged for one OF the posts under
Schwab. it was learned at the Ship
ping Board today.
Ferguson, because Of his eYperi-
ence in practical shiphuiIding and In
fuence among other shipping men.
has been urged several times to take
positions with the shipping corpora-
tion.
He has refused each offer because
Of the Shipping Boards difficulty in
getting steel and because Of the
prominence Of wooden ships in the
Governments ship program.
Ferguson, as first assistant to
Schwab, would exercise Immediate
supervision of shipbuilding opera.
tions. while Schwab would center his
attention ON the securing and distri- /
button OF material.