New-York tribune., 1919-05-23
Farmers Wa
Ships Owned
By Government
Benjamin Marsh Voices
View of Agrarian In.
teresfs at Conference
Called by Hurley
Netp York Tribune
Washington Bureau


Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, May 22.-The first
day of the meeting of the shipping
conference called by Chairman Hur-
ley of the Shipping Board to discuss
problems relating to the future of the
American merchant marine was largely
taken up by Benjamin Marsh, repre-
senting the Farmers National Council,
which includes the more radical agra
rian organizations of the country, with
ana appeal for government ownership
and operation of the Emergency Fleet.
He also spoke as the emissary of Rep
resentative Sinclair and Governor Fra
zier of North Dakota, and presumably
the Nonpartisan League.
In part of the time Mr.. Marsh left
between his address and his controver-
sizes with other speakers Joseph H.
Powell, representing the Atlantic Coast
Shipbuilders' Association, outlined a
plan for the future of the Emergency
Fleet which would take it entirely out
Of government ownership and opera
tion but with margin of profits par
tlcipation for the government.
Presents Builders Plan
This plan, which is supposed to be
the plan generally approved by the
existing shipping companies, is in brief
as follows:
Fiyst-None Of the Emergency
Fleet to be sold during the readjust-
ment period. placed at two years.
Second-The inferior ships then to
be sold outright for whatever they
will bring, to Americans or for
eigners.
Third Remaining ships to be sold,
so far az there are purchasers for
them, at an appraised valuation, 25
per cent down and ten annual in
stalments with interest at per cent
on the deferred payments.
Fourth-Unsold ships to be leased
to private shipping companies at
per cent on their appraised value at
the first and later at per cent, the
government to have one-half of the
net profits arising from operation
after allowing the lessee per cent
on his investment. Under this plan
the leases would run for ten years
with option of cancellation by lessor
after one year by giving six months
notice.
Fifth-American seamen to be in
corporated into the naval reserve
and the government to absorb the
difference between American and
foreign pay.
Would Uphold Companies
Mr.. Powell's plan for the selling of
the ships is about the same as Chair
man Hurley's, and includes the build
ing Of a merchant marine shipping
fund, to be used in starting new routes
and upholding the companies that vent
ure into them.
Chamber, presented that body's plan for
the disposition of the emergency fleet
by sale, adopted some time ago.
Z. B. Thomas, speaking for the For
eign Trade Council, opposed govern
ment ownership as being inefficient.
James O'Connell, representing the
American Federation of Labor, was in
clined to think government ownership
: might best meet the requirements of
the workers. Labor, however, was
terests in shipbuilding and operations
We're protected.
J. H. Rosseter, director of operation
Of the emergency fleet, said that the
waste of poor system of operation
is greater than the profits. Ship oper-
ating profits over long term of years
preceding the war had not averaged
more than per cent the world over
"Unquestioned Americanism"
NJ. w. Leech, from the Mississippi
Valley Association, placed before the
conference resolutions which take the
ground that the time is not ripe for
general sale of the government ships.
They should remain in government
ownership until the foundation of the
merchant marine is firmly established,
being turned over then to companies
OF unquestioned Americanism for oper-
alton under bare boat or time charter.
Chairman Hurley, in his address,
said:
Fifty per cent OF our commerce
should be carried in American bot
toms. If we planned to carry more
than so per cent, it would be necessary
for many of our ships to return in bal
last
Il feel should outline to you three
great national needs which our mer-
chant feet should be designed to fill in
addition to the freight carriage which
is it's primary function.
Three National Needs
s"They are: % The establishment
and maintenance of an American
ocean mail service capable of covering
me world; (2) centrally controlled
wireless telegraph service for use in
promoting the safety of life and prop
cry at sea, and for giving to American
snspping and business the advantage
81 constant commercial information;
to) adequate provision for the training
OF an ofiicer personnel capable Of max
ing sure that our ships will alwavs 90
TO sea in charge of American citizens"