Evening journal., 1919-03-04
TUESDAY, MARCH a, 1919.
rRAnE rnLLoMs TIIE LAG.

ry1HE building and permanent maintenance IN active
operation Of merchont marine is essential not only
Tor military interests in time Of war; but for the
development Of foreign trade and The ad'ahccmcnt OF
American industry in time Of peace
In time of war we must have ships available and at
immediate for the transportation Of troops and
supplies. In time Of war, though we be neutral,
we must have ships which TO transport our COM
merce
But the need of merchant marine rests upon a
moro permanent basis ton that Of wartime demands
Just as rail transportation is prerequisite 10 the
development Of domestic trade so ocean transportation
Is essential 90 development Of foreign trade
Ocean transportation agencies not only provide de-
livery service for goods already Sold but If the agencies
be friendly they secure new orders for larger qualities
OF products
It makes much difference whether the transportation
lines are owned by Americans by rivals Of Americans.
It makes much difference whether goods manufac-
iured in America must go TO Buenos Ayres by way Of
liverpool or go direct from American port to the
Argentine buyer
There is not only difference in time. and probably
some difference transportation charges, favor Of the
direct route but there is difference in prestige and
opportunity for creating friendly attitude toward
American goods and American producers.
Every American nag on ship in port is an advertise
ment for the nation which it represents. Every American
ships officer employe while i'm a foreign port is a
potential advertiser Of american goods and a builder Of
trade for American merchants.
These considerations must be- Kept in mind in study
ing The merchant marine problem lest ve get the notion
that our only interest hNins goods transported at
the lowest cost Tor cargo space
Just every retail merchant sells and delivers some
goods at a delivery cost which exceeds his margin Of
profit the goods making up that loss in the aggrc-
gate margins Of profits the nation in undertaking 20
expand Ms foreign sales must expect 90 incur some un-
profitable delivery costs which viii Dee moro than
countorbaanccd by enlarged markets for products
enlarged employment of American Labor and enlarged
income upon American investments.
sure foreign market FOR surplus is ihc best safe
guard the ruinous effects Of glu IN the domcs-
dc market
A foreign demand, made permanent by continuous
and prompt supply by Of regular transportation
lines IS Of the most dependable guarantees against
depression following oyer-produclion
Every producer. therefore, should be interested in
finding a larger market not only for his product,
hut the products OF other industries that those
engaged in other industries may constant buyers Of
his own output at profitable prices.
Al present there is little dicuty selling all our
pceducts at home abroad
Gradual return TO peace conditions however may
vsry likely brlng about a radically different situation.
Wise preparation for any contingency requires that
hot only produce as extensively possible. but that
we secure and retain large control possible
our foreign trade
ms can be accomplished only through the insiru-
'"n@hN OF an American merchant marine Of as large
pu1se as We eon reasonably hope to employ IN ocean