Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-04-09
WOULD MAKE D. c.
OCEAN TERMINAL
Steamship Lines From
Washington to Latin
America Suggested.

Esta blishment of steamship line
between Washington and the BAHIA
mas. Cuba Porto Rico. Mexico. Pana
letter to Washington business men.
made public today by Elmer f. John
son of this city.
According to Mr.. Johnson's plan q
company would be incorporated for
sc.oo0,oOo. raising 100000 cash TO al
low complete organization. This
cash sum would he sufficient to take
over land on the Virginia shore near
the breakwater for the project
He said investigation would I'M
doubtedly develop facts showing it is
possible for steamer to pa> for it
self within year. He suggests that
the fleet consist of twelve -.000-to =
vessels. which would permit satlings
every other day.
Would Eliminate One Danger.
The route down the Potomac, he
said. would eliminate the dangerous
tEp along the Jersey coast. Thou
sands of persons. Mr.. Johnson be-
iieves. would come to Washington to
sal on the New York lines.
Concerning his plan. Mr.. Johnso"
writes
The shipping advantages Washing
on would offer to points west an
"outh over New York is illustrated b!
he difference in distance between
srtain points. Washington is L.
niles nearer Chicago and 139 miles
carer Pittsburgh than New York. AMI
Neins 20 miles south of New York
that much nearer all southern and
, southwestern cities. Shippers would
surely appreciate the shorter haul
. With a corresponding lower freight
to nd jcly Gnlf
Uncertainty Of Shipping.
only those with experience in the
New York zone can realize the uncer-
from New York during the winter
| months. 1t is safe to say that be-
cause of snow. thousands of cars
loaded with freight were side track d
III the New York zone yards during
the months of January and February
other cause OF congestion is found in
the lack of docking facilities in New
York harbor. as many steamers lie
in the bay from one to three days be-
| fore unloading.
During the winter of 191s-19l9.
about one inch of snow fell in Wash
ington, and this winter about six
riches. II will be seen readily that
climatic and commercial conditions
would strongly favor shipments to and
from Washington. In fact, Washing
ton. because OF its many attractive fea-
lures for tourists and strangers. and
because Of its geographical position.
would quickly develop into great
pa ssengsr and freight port.
Predicts Other Manufactures.
Piers would be erected quickly at a
convenient place on tho Virginia shore.
where connection with the railroads
could be most easily effected. The
building Of general storehouses for
these imported products would follow.
while the receipt of sugar and hides at
this port would undoubtedly necessl-
tate the erection OF a refinery. and a
plant to manufacture auto shoes and
other leather goods
During the last fiscal year the gov
eminent paid for the conveyance of
mail TO Brasil. Cuba and Mexico the
sum Of $4,000. The proposed plan
would make 1t possible to receive the
western and southern mail for these
countries al this port. with a cor
responding income to the company and
quicker delivery of correspondence.
Let US unite for a Greater Wash
ington."