The Washington times., 1920-02-14
BOARD MUST
GET CONGRESS- CONSENT
TO DISPOSE Of LINERS

As result of the expose by the Hearst newspapers
plans of the United States Shipping Board to sell at bar
gain the seized German feet of thirty liners next Monday to
Anglo-Wa Street interests, have been knocked into
cooked hat.
Coupled with the rejonder order issued by Chief Jus
ce Mccoy of the District Supreme Court the Senate Com
merce Committee yesterday exacted promise from Chair
John Barton Payne that he would not seek actually to
dispose of the ships until Congress had opportunity to
determine what it desired the Shipping Board to
pursue in the matter
Senate Action Deferred
On condition that the bids would only be received and
considered Monday but that would be accepted
any sale contemplated the Senate agreed to defer action
pending the temperance OF Chairman Payne before the
Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday, when arreach
ing investigation of the Shipping Boards attempt to sell the
ex German ships is to be started.
In the opinion of Senate of Arizona and other
Senators opposed to the sale of the Ships the Shipping
Boards attempt to barter the Governments biggest feet
of passenger ships to the International Mercantile Marine
the Of ships flying the British flag has been
blocked
The resolution of Senator Asburst called the Board
to advertise the sale of the ships for three months The
resolution is before the Senate Commerce Committee
The resolution of Senator Mcclellan Democrat of Tennes
see calling upon the board to refrain from selling them
until Congress has authorized it to do also the
Senate calendar
Further Action Anticipated.
In view of the illegal position of the board in the mat
ter joint resolution reminding the board that it has
other authority the Senate resolution
adopted May r. 1917 authorizing the board to take
the ships dispose of these vessels and declaring
the of Congress that the ships not be sod is
expected make its appearance in the Senate and House
immediately unless Payne suddenly decides to abandon the
entire plan.
Mr. Payne made weak defense of his position, when
he appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee yes
erday to explain the under which the board pro
posed to sell the ex-German ships thirty in number for
about $2SOOOOOO when it is estimated their present value
is approximately $3OO,OO0,0OO.
Senator McKellar of Tennessee asked if the British in
terests could buy the ships and operate them under the
American flag.
That would not be possible" replied Chairman Payne,
because we would sell the ships except after nvesti
CATION to any but American citizens"
Not Clear on Enforcement.
Questioned to the restrictions that all ships must stay
under the American flag, Chairman Payne compelled
to admit with reluctance that he did not know how this
would be specifically enforced
T wouldn't want to go record beforehand as saying
we couldn't hold them,' he said
"Is there any reason why Congress and this commit
tee could well wait until you have conducted
ton Monday and then confer with and get your
best Judgment the wses to pursue In view OF
the proposals that be submed' questioned Senator
Jones, chairman of the committee.
"I know Of reason" replied Mr. Payne. 1--WE can
90 forward with this auctonas matter Of fact perhaps
i ought to say that just before left the office in
filed b-here is the summons" said Mr.. Payne, pro-
ducing the court summons.
Have the papers been served on youi asked Senator
Nelson Of Minnesota
Evidently they have been served on Commissioner
Donald That is his copy 1 suppose mine is waiting me-"
Payne replied smilingly
CONTINUED page 8. column 81