Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-12-17
Southern Ports viii Share in
Tonnage to Be Released by
War Department for Com
mercial Shipping

WASHINGTON. Dec 16.-An early
squirt in Americas trade with for
eign nations will follow the decision
of the war department to turn over
Immediately about one million tons
of cargo tonnage for commercial
shipping. Assurances nave oeeil
given southern commercial interests
that a fair proportion of this ton
mage will be available for the move
ment OF cotton to European ports.
AS the transportation demands OF
the war department gradually -es-
sen. additional tonnage will be placed
At the disposal of the United States
shipping board and the American
merchant marine viii soon reach IN
precedented carrying capacity.
Southern ports, such as Whining
ton. Newport News. Charleston,
Brunswick and Savannah, are GER
tai. 10 draw increased business CEl-
der the new policy announced mere.
There will be an ALLEGATION OF the
tonnage among the various ports OF
the Atlantic coast and n systematic
attempt viii be made TO relieve as
quickly as possible the transpoTta-
ton congestion OF the war period.
With The return Of cargo tonnage
10 commercial uses. there viii be ac-
cOmpanyinG relaxation OF the re-
strictions on imports and exports.
here BY representatives OF the war
department. the war trade board, the
shipping board and various CONNER
cial OrganiZati ons at which pro-
gram was approved to turn back
into the lanes OF foreign commerce
scores of ships which have been
used heretofore for strictly war pur-
Bakers Estimate
II is understood that Secretary
Baker estimates that the war depart
urent will he able 10 turn back an
the near future not less than 1Y5no,-
600 tons. The ALLEGATION, however.
will b gradual so that there viii
BE- no Generalization and confusion
an the shipping trade incident 20 the
confusion OF so great tonnage rom
war TO commercial uses
An immediate return OF 100000 TO
GOO GOO tons 10 trade routes IS now
in prospect and as rapidly as the
war department can release other
vessels and the trade can handle
them acceptably, more ships VIII be
added TO the peace trade
Increased business activity at all
southern ports undoubtedly VIII fol-
. low the release by the war dspaI :
ment Of these ocean steamers Prou-
ucts which have heretofore had a
restricted market may now begin 70
and there viii be a great revival OF
American shipping.
At this time. the South is especialiy
interested in its cotton crop. Inc
federal authorities have given asSur-
anceS that in the ALLEGATION OF the
war departments tonnage. the cot,
ton trade will be provided for, and
the cotton ports of the south should
promptly make their needs known 10
the shipping board, which, will nave
general supervision of the ALLEGATION.
Smith Seess Goethals
Senator Hoke Smith, Of Georgia,
conferred a few days ago with CEN
ersI Goethals, the director of army
transportation. regarding the resump-
ton of cotton shipments and the
conversion OF army tonnage GeheLai
Coethals has made report 70 tne
secretary OF war estimating tnat II
will be possible TO release a cOnSid-
cradle tonnage Immediately and ap-
proving the idea that as fast as the
army can snare ships which nave
been used for months in the trans
portatfon OF troops and supplies, they
should be turned back TO the trade
Southern members Of congress here
believe that after-war conditions
must result in a greater utilization
Of the ports along the lower Atlahtlt
and guf coasts. Congestion at the
large pUEA~ OF TIE AANA NAAs A-AsN
York and Boston. must be relieved
with the resumption OF European
trade and Americas participation IN
the rebuilding of Europe. With the
government continuing TO operate
the railroads for some months q
come. and the shipping board super;
yfsing ocean traffic, the natural
course will be a more generous use
OF southern ports. so that the trans
portation strain may be lessened- all
down the Atlantic seaDoard ano
around the gulf coasts. ports which
handled a comparatively small pro-
gortfon Of the nations shipping &c
fore the war are now in line TOT
genuine recognition
Chairman Simmons. OF the senate
fnance committee. believes there VIII
be speedy reconciliation ana use OF
The facilities OF the harbors OF North
Carolina. South Carolina. Georgia
FLORIDA on around the gulf His view
shared by other members OF con
rress from the south who would have
the products Of that section so tc
Europe by the most direct route an0
now are the position TO expect early
-..rfz. sfcu oF their homes.