Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-01-17

Mayor Smith today set in motion the
machinery Of campaign to have muni-
tions and supplies destined for Europe
shipped through the port OF PhilndcI-
phia.
The Mayor said that nc would carry
the case TO Railroad Director McAdoc
himself II it proved necessary 10 gain
the end desired for the city
George $. Webster. director OF the
Department Of Wharves. Docks aud Fer
ries. was called to the Mayors Office
at noon today TO confer on a plan Of
campaign. IT is upon Mr. Webster that
the Mayor depends to carry tho project
Through.
Discrimination by the railroads
against the port Of Philadelphia was de-
clared by the Mayor to have been the
only cause for the shipping Of goods by
way Of New York This statement was
made before Director Webster had ar
rived at the Mayors Office for the con-
ference.
POINTS TO ADVANTAGES
There is no reason in the world"
said Mayor Smith, why the greater
part Of these supplies should not be sent
to the battlefields Of Europe through the
port of Philadelphia. II must be patent
to the whole country that this city con
tains the greatest advantages for the
advantageous handling OF these supplies,
There must be a reason for the ship.
ment through other ports. What is il,
then? The only possible reason that
can be found is that Philadelphia is
being discriminated against to the benc-
fit of other ports along the eastern coast
and especially In New York,
Here in Philadelphia we have every
facility that Ankles tor AN advantageous
point of shipment at all times, but espe.
cialIy under the conditions that are pre-.
vaiiing today. with the railroads
damned full Of freight it ccrtsinly he.
hooVes us to look around for the shortest
route in shipping.
'And yet goods are being shipped from
the West. through Philadelphia, and then
on the extra ninety miles to New York
for shipment abroad.
THAT condition could not exist today
with the New York yards and termlni
choked up with freight that it is found
impossible to move. The ships should
be sent here and the freight should be
sent here.
START WORK TO-DAY
I have sent for Director Webster and
we will start today on the work of bring
ing this shipping through the port Of
Philadelphia.
director Webster, above an men in
the city today Is fitted to carry out this
work. | do not believe there is a man
in the city who has the knowledge Of the
port that he has. lie has made a care
ful study Of its every phase and is well
able to put forth the arguments that
should persuade the United States Ship
ping Board and others I'm authority into
seeing the advantages cf Philadelphia as
a shipping point for munitions
II will outline to Director Webster in
our conference exactly what I want done.
That will start the machinery Of a cane
pa'gn to bring to Philadelphia what is
Justly hers
once started, ] will exert every effort
and will use every force within my power
to see that our end is attained. / will
carry this thing to the highest authori-
ties II il is necessary, I will go directly
70 Secretary McAdoo aud lay the case
before him.
''Director Webster is prepared to 20
ahead with this campaign. He has the
ability and Is well known for his work.
His reputation will Garry us a great way
IN this fight in favor OF tho local port.
The Director Is well known in Washing
ton, and his opinion is held at its fun
value by the officials there That will
obtain for us the careful hearing Of all
those who have the power 20 act"