Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-08-05
South Atlantic Ports IN
American Commerce

a DMIRAL BENSON'S recent statement
~ that it will be the Shipping Board s
policy to encourage the equitable de-
velopment of all the country's ports rather
than a continuance of the monopoly which
one or two North Atlantic outlets heretofore
have held, has put certain Eastern interests
in high dudgeon. From New York partic-
uIarly come cries of protest. That the coun-
try should wish anything better than to nave
the bulk of its ocean bound commerce cram
med through the congested channeS Oh
single region seems altogether presump-
tious, to those who have been prohtAng
by that situation. The country, however,
greets the AdmiraPs announcement with en-
! thusiasm, and believes, moreover, that arter
while the Northeastern interests them
selves will rightly appreciate the WISDOM as
we'll as Justice Of the course he has outlined
The liberal and logical view or the matter
is taken by the Manufacturers Record, pub
1ished at Baltimore when 1T says that al
ready that city and Philadelphia nave 1eIt
the magic inspiration of open competition
and both ports are rapidly coming into tnelr
own Further: ,,.-o
New York of her proper share of bust
ness There is plenty for all: and IN
the nature Of things New York IS likely
for many years to retain her supremacy
as the leading port. But that city is no
longer to De the TeClp1SAC VI 0P0cA"A
favors. She will nave TO stano OH hel
own bottom"
The day is passing, indeed, when any city
or any interest can thrive on special favors.
Justice is the only rule under which aDlo-
ing prosperity is possible. This is not TO
say that natural or inherent advantages can
be or should be discounted. Cities, regions
and countries, like men, are entitled ana
obligated to make the utmost or their tai
ents, being careful only not to covet or tram
pie down the rights Of others.
But the practice Of discommod1ng and
even penalizing industry and commerce
merely to keep the tides Of foreign trade
pouring through traditional gateway is
too inefficient, too unfair, too inimical to
the nations largest interests to be tolerated.
In directing its influence to the development
of other Atlantic ports than those of the
Northeast the Shipping Board is taking the
course which common sense long has coun-
seled and which now Is imperative In the
light Of our wartime experience. From the
earlier to the latest stages of the European
conflict, and especially during the period of
Americas participation, the custom of
crowding exports through New York was a
grave hindrance and ofttimes a danger to
national interests The fact is our expedi-
tionary forces could never have been main
tanned if the Government had not diverted
a portion Of the congested business to the
South Atlantic.
CIOn CAoI OCSluA1A6 lbs S1OWA o. 1AlONO-
ment of Unreasonable promise to ports
Ike Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah,
Brunswick and Jacksonville; not to them
alone or to them chiefly, but to the common
country. Thanks to the utilization Of their
commodious ice-free harbors and excellent
facilities, exporters in the Middle West are
enjoying economies and manifold advantages
which were denied them when inequitable
freight rates forced them to ship Altogether
by way of Northeastern lines and Northeast
ern outlets. To see to it that these and
other Southern ports have fair deal in the
matter Of tonnage and tariffs is the least
that the Government can do in justice to the
entire nation. -~/