The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-01-29
HURLEY HAS DATA
FOR SHIP POLICY
Announces Intention of Re-
turning Soon to Present
Information.
CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS
Relieves L. s. Will Overcome
Difficulties in Merchant
Marine Problem.
CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS

U,rts, Jan. 2s-Edward y. Hurley
head Of the shipping Board. announced
to-day his intention to return to the
United States on the 1eviathan when
she sails again from France after his
examination here into problems con-
nec,ed with the merchant marine.
Mr.. Hurley said he felt certain that
the American people had determined to
have and to maintain a merchant marine
sufficient in size to make Il certain that
they would not be dependent on tho
shipping OF other nations for their for
esn trade. and that the demand for
such a shipping programme was virtu-
ally unanimous.
As soon IS the armistice was signed.
Re continued. he had recognized that a
great many questions would arise in
connection with the American shipping
programme that would require first hand
knowledge of what was planned to be
done by the other nations engaged in
shipping and he had come to Europe in
this connection.
Mr. Hurley said that now that the war
pressure had been relieved Americans
and others interested with them In ship
prg under American registry were anx-
ious for definite information concern
ing future plans for a merchant marine
50 ~ to settle three main questions, as
follows:
What Is the character and extent
% the Government construction pro-
gramme?
What is the plan for continuing
Government operation?
II Government operation 10 to be
discontinued. on what basis will the
ships be operated privately and to
what extent will Government control
be maintained?
Collateral to these questions, but also
O. great Importance are those that relate
10 the future construction programme
as - the number and type OF ships to be
built and whether certain types OF ships
already constructed shall be authorized
FOR foreign account
Mr.. Hurley also said that within the
leet sixty days he had secured much in
formation on the constructor pro-
eramme, operating problems general
plans Of the other maritime powers. and
that the information obtained had par
ocular reference to the questions now
under discussion in the United States
He feels that as a result of his investi-
cations he will he abie on his return &c
the United States to present Information
and data obtained while IN England
which will bear directly on the questions
involved and should be of great assist.
Icy for the American merchant marine.
Some of the other maritime powers
M. Hurley added, through official AND
unofficial agencies, have felt called upor
10 intimate the belief that the United
States will have many difficulties In con
s.ructing and maintaining a suitable anC
adequate merchant marine, but that hi
designations did not lead him to believ.
that the difficulties confronting tn
United States were IN any sense insuper
to's IN fact. that he was convinced thai
construction and operation programm.
could and will be developed which would
gve to the United States what her PEG
pc desired in this connection.
No definite action on the various prob
iems will be taken until the result OF hi
INVESTIGATIONS ran be presented. Mr.
Hurley said that he was fully aware o
Tho urgency of the settlement OF all thes
coiateral questions, and for that reasol
10 contemplated making an early returl
- America to lay before the Shippinl
Board. as well as the Senate Commerce
Committee and the House Committee oil
Merchant Marine, the results Of his in
vest cations. 50 that the board may. af
ter considering all the European phase
Of the situation, make suggestions an,
reCpmme ndations to the President for
general policy.
Referring TO his appointment wit
Samuel Gompers as the American repre-
eenIatves on the International Labo
Committee OF the Peace Conference. MI
Fur!ey said that his discussion in Amer
Sea ri the shipping situation would no
interfere with his work N connection
With the labor committee.