The Washington times., 1920-02-12
LABOR MEN WANT
SHIPS TO Be SAVED
Ask President Not 10 Give For.
mer German Vessels to
England.
CONTINUED from First PagsJ

Continued from First Page)
the views proposed were developed
/ seconded Doyle's remarks advocating
| continuation OF the present shipbulld-
inE program.
Tho executive committee OF the Ma
tional Mercantile Marine Association
headed by Edward Burling. was also
heard by tho Committee. II urged tho
sale OF Government vessels TO private
owners, the remission OF excess prof.
It's taxation on ship operators earn
ings and the establishment OF new
routes from the United States In world
trade.
The shipworkers' memorial TO the
President requested public letter
from his in reply. The memorial said
Now that the war 10 over. instead
of a dsnnite policy being prepared
and followed out q shiftless and dis
couragins course by the present Con-
sress threatens all that has been ac-
plished these last few years. IL is
our belief that vigorous action should
be taken to stem this lack OF decision,
and some definite policy made by our
Government as to our mercantile ma
rine.
1--WE believe that II should be su-
perior to that OF any other country
and that II should be built in
American flag and by our Govern
ment. and that 1t lead to every port
In the world.
I'VE urge this policy, frst. as a
matter Of national pride. so that we
may never again be dependent upon
foreign bottoms for our commerce.
We believe that such a policy would
benent the farmer and those en-
ployed in the shops and factories. as
A. H. In, ~, I'm rA
in fact, every class OF our people. for
II would seem that American prod
ucts would be conveyed to every har-
Dor under intelligent, rational direc-
ton.
"This would bring untold prosper
ity to our country-that prosperity
which is justly due us as the leading
nation Of the world.
1--WE furthermore believe that we
should construct our passenger ships
so that travellers and American mail
may be carried to every part OF the
world in American vessels under the
protection OF our flag.
I'VE earnestly urge that q definite
policy along these lines be formulated
and put into effect at once, SO that
the splendid organizations in the
many parts Of the country where ship
yards have been built will not be de-
other callings.
Grateful To Mr. Wilson
1--WE are not unmindful OF the in
terest which you have shown hereto
fore in our welfare. We are deeply
grateful in our expression OF appre-
citation. You have done much for
the men in the shipyards and the
navy yards and they are proud to
have worked under your inspiring
leadership during the war and now.
We acknowledge our obligations to
you in the upbuildings OF this great
Industry and we feel sure that your
interest is continuous in our behalf.
I'VE also desire to express thank
fulness for your recovery to health
and sincerely hope that you may
soon be able to renew your duties In
every detail. Our country has never
needed leadership as 1t does now. 1t
needs you more than ever.
at would be appreciated IL you
could answer this letter in public
way, as we feel sure that your i'm
| terest in the upbuilding OF the
American merchant marine so that 1t
may be the greatest in the world
will be warmly received and sup
ported by the people OF our country.
Danieh Is Commented.
In tneh memorial 10 the ScnAtS
Commerce Committee the delegates
| reiterated that "in order that tho
American mercantile marine may be
| firmly established, IL be operated by
our Government until such time as
| it would be able to meet the compe-
tition of all other nations"
The memorial to the House Naval
Affairs Committee warmly commends
the work done by Secretary Daniels
and contains an expression of regret
over "the controversy which has
| been brought about by the charges
filed by Admiral Sims. whose example
has not been inspiring to tho men OF
the navy"
Secretary Of War Baker said that
| there was a difference of opinion be-
tween him and Chairman Payne re-
gnrding tho control of the North Ger
man Lloyd and Hamburg
| line docks In New York.