The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1919-03-28
meeting he attends.

me same legislation should pro-
vide for periodical meetings of these
Government-named directors, in the
City OF Washington, where they will
constitute an official body which will
confer with and advise the Shipping
Board, or other designated Govern
ment agency, upon problems arising
IN, or questions affecting the welfare
OF, the American Merchant Marine,
including the administration Of the
Merchant Marine Development Fund.
This fund, drawn from the sources,
previously indicated, should be used
to relieve such financial difficulties as
NAV be encountered IN the develop.
ment Of an adequate and well-bal
anced American Merchant Marine.
For instance:
It is forseen that number Of trade
routes important to the immediate or
future welfare of American commerce
must be established and developed.
Some Of these routes may not yield
steamship operating profits until
their existence shall have attracted
an increase volume or better balance
Of trade. Revenue derived from the
carriage Of mail, and possible fees for
the training of seamen and cadet-of-
ficers, may partly compensate losses
incurred on these routes. Still, in
cases where the Government sells a
ship upon condition that it be operat-
ed in route which may not prove
profitable at once, it will be necessary
to provide for the payment Of default
ed interest from the Merchant Marine
Development Fund, in the discretion
of the Shipping Board or other Gov
eminent agency, upon recommends
ton Of the Board Of Government Di-
| iOSIolo, Will ouCu tlluC as IHc IOulc
may begin to yield profit. When the
ships in the route earn their annual
interest rate and a profit, one-half the
profit earned each year should be paid
into the Merchant Marine Develop
ment Fund until all moneys drawn
from the fund on account of the ves-
sci in question shall have been re.
placed. The other half should 60 an
nually to the steamship stockholders.
Such vessels cruising in routes
which fail to prove susceptible Of
profitable development and which do
not serve any purpose Of the Govern.
ment Of the United States, may be
transferred by the Government to
other routes. However, should the
Government become convinced that
any vessel has failed to make ex-
penses solely or chiefly because Of
incapable management, 1t may fore
close its mortgage on that vessel.
On the basis of one billion dollars
worth of ships, the Merchant Marine
Development Fund would be fifteen
million dollars. This amount, investi
cation convinces me, would be more
than sufficient to care for all defcien-
cies likely to develop during this Pc
Rod.
Until sold under the terms just
stated. all vessels should remain the
property OF, and should be operated
by, the Government of the United
States.
| CONTROL OF RATES
In order to make sure that the Am
erican Merchant Marine will be oper'
ated with due regard for the interests
of American industry and commerce
it is necessary to exercise conrtol
over the maximum freight rates which
J may be charged In regular trade
routes.
Sections 16 and II Of the Act ap
proved September z. 1916, provide
remedies for unjust discrimination BY
American shipowners against any
American shipper Or port, and the,
also forbid the collection by common
carriers In foreign commerce OF an,
rate unjustly prejudicial to American
exporters as compared with foreign
exporters. Section Is Of the same
act authorizes the fixation OF mavi
mum freight rates charged by com
non carriers by water in interstate
commerce.
. there remains to be provided