The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-04-30

ton and understanding between capt.
tai and labor. The possibility that some
wage cuts may have to be made is
generally recognized, but the employers
say they think they will not have to
make very many reductions II they can
only get efficiency out of the men.
So the future of the American mer-
chant marine, which means the future
Of American export trade as we'll as
the capacity for the production OF ar
world, all depends upon ships. Ocean
tonnage and the price Of freight rates
are the determining factors in the de-
velopment of an export trade and
whether or not the Pacific coast shall
furnish an annual contribution to the
worlds supply of the tonnage and
therefore to the amount of money be-
ing charged for carrying cargoes the
world over depends upon a decision by
the executive branch of the govern
ment and an agreement with congress
at an early date on the needed appro-
priations for the new ships. Il work is
to be carried forward, especially in the
construction Of steel ships.
Politically oregon Is very much the
same as it was in 1916 except that the
Republican strength has grown. Presi-
dent Wilson'S foreign policies are the
subject of some criticisms, but tho
people by a large majority, stand with
him, He has popular support, partcu-
larly on the Italian question, and |
heard man Republicans speak regret
fully of Mr., Lodges speech in opposl-
ton to the presidents stand on he
Italian claims. There is a disposition
here to stand by the president in these
tangled foreign problems because he Is
in Paris, where all the facts are avail
able, and where evidently Premiers
Clemenceau and Lloyd George tacitly
approve his course.
Wood Is Popular.
This state is unquestionably going to
contribute its electoral votes next
time to the Republican presidential
nominee. but Eastern Republican lead
ers should not feel o~verconfident about
the temper of Oregon toward the ultra
conservative faction of the Republican
party, About the most popular presiden.
tial candidate in this section Is Gen
Leonard Wood, who has inherited the
Roosevelt strength here. oregon has
a presidential primary early In thu
game, and very likely Gen. Wood de.
rives much prestige from the fact that
Oregon will give him that voteD just
as 1t did Hughes long before 1t was
known whether the distinguished jurist
would step down from the bench to ac-
cept the nomination.
Another interesting thing about Ore
gon politics Is Senator Chamberlain's
status. He has opposed Mr., Wilson
and the Democratic administration SUI.
ficiently to win Republican support, and
while there will be a candidate against
him, Mr.. Chamberlain will be opposed
only nominally by the influential Re
publican newspapers. In other words
reelection seems assured In 1890.
Incidentally be it known that the
league OF nations Is very popular IN
Oregon, Senator Po~indexter, of Wash
ington, tried to arrange n meeting here
in opposition to the league. bu the Re
publican organization did not want ID
act mixed up in the controversy. SO he
passed on to other fields. Oregon Is
for a league Of nations chiefly because
II believes some instrument must b.
lp%rovided TO try, at least, to prevent wal
and that the opponents of the leagu'
J have offered no safe alternative, Blu
: leagues of nations and politics are no
, worrying folks cut here. If only tn
! government Mt washington would sa,
: yves" or mo- about something, eithe
the foreign contracts or American con
! tracts. Indecision is a breeder of un
. rest and Sleepless nights. n II doe
seem TO the people here that these hi
shipyards which produced both stet
and wooden ships In such rapid fashio
y during war should not be permitted t
go to waste, especially after the pro
u longed agitation for an American mel
chant marine, for employment for re
turning soldiers and for ships to carr
the greatly increased output OF thes
American factories which have bee
cenverted from wal uses or expande
A 10 meet the demands OF a ~reconstruc
~ copyright, 1919. by the New York
Evening Posi-, Incl