The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-05-23
=. =. By Temple

Japan, Sweden, elsewhere and he is satisfied lT anat he future is bright for those sea- He is not nervous of the influence high American wages, and contends, indeed that they are not much higher than British wages
 Here in America there exists idea that our seamens incomparably higher than in any other nation The thought widely propagated that these rates of for the labor of the who operate them render it impossible for proftably into competition with the great maritime nations, notably England It is high time that the public mind were disabused of this mis- conception I have obtained the facts regarding seamens pay both in England and France The facts VIII oisifiay those persons who are asltatlns Tor a lower wage scale on American ships. The data in not an over-shadowing for those concerned with the future of our merchant marine We are paying and frequently commented England during the war paid her seamen SIP a month
 He anticipate return to low wages in British ships, in the ships of other nations and tiona1 Labor program drawn up in Paris. laying down uniform seamens wage, irrespective of the, spending value, which differs in every country. AS the of construction and operating his verdict is follows:
 Even if it is true that paid in shipyards are higher than in British yards know of cause for msgivings that This est- mated advantage in labor easily be come by advantage gained in other cost elements. and particularly in employing wel-paid ship workers I do not believe that even the most lugu- brious students of wage scales will debate the state Our army shipyard workers is today a veteran experienced army The men are skilled in their per cent. increased efficiency will tend greatly to overrule the disadvantages in the
 
 erated against us two years ago.
 (b) The shipbuilding industry of America in me the vision recognize the ad- that experience has placed in their hands .. When shipbuilders settle down to the of estimating construction costs this spring. it would not surprise me to receive bids for con- a basis greatly reduced from the charges mad during the Our shpbuilders are aggres- sive, enterprising They know how to figure costs know when take a chance. They know by striking confidently ahead at this time they can establish their industry a sounder and more enduring They be relied tc amaze who disparage their competitive abilities.
 Gel An investigation extensive conditions permit is being made into operating costs We which to obtain general ideas for the development of our policy. One thing that stands is the of opinion to the importance of la Dor costs in ship operation. This element is only 10 per cent. o cost of operation.
 From all this apparent Hurley not greatly impressed by anything he told when he visited this country recently Pro- already been made, he is setting up a commission of shipping experts for to formulate program of construction specially suited to the needs of American foreign trade. "Prior to August, 1914" e has remarked, Doth the foreign and the : shipping of the United States were, to a great ownership and stockholding. but more largely through contractual relations established by powerful trade and shipping of Great Britain The control of cable lines only comprehensive organization for gathering shipping (Lloyd's) the Brftsh in opinion and enormous advantage all aspects to foreign trade the United States carried in American bottoms. going change thai. but 1t must remain for further article deecribo in groater detatl hs plan q campaign