The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-03
TO ASK
FOR SUBSIDY TO AID
MERCHANT MARINE
Special Message to Con-
gress Will Also Urge
Grant of Tariff Powers.

PRESIDENT Harding Will send
special meksage to Congress within
the next six weeks advocating
financial aid to the American mer-
chant marine. 1t will be in the
form of a recommendation for a
subsidy. Details of the plan have
not yet been worked out. The ques-
ton has been subject of con-
ferences between the President and
various officials, especially Chair
man Lasker of the Shipping Board.
1t was learned from highest ad-
ministration sources yesterday that
facts and figures compiled by the
Shipping Board indicate that IL
some method of subsidy Is not
worked out, the American merchant
marine will be wiped out in a very
short time. Vessels are tied up all
along the American coasts, and
there is no apparent demand for
them. 1t is impossible to live UP to
the American shipping laws and
compete with vessels of other ma
tons whose requirements are rar
less than those of the United States
Seeks Tariff Powers.
The President also will request
from Congress much broader pow
ers in connection with the tarirr
than he now enjoys. In his mes
sage to Congress he VIII specra-
cally recommend that there be a
general speeding up of the perma-
y.
outline just what powers he be-
lieves should be granted the Presi-
dent in adjusting tariff obligations
to flpctuating markets . and to
changing conditions of foreign ex-
change. In the opinion of the Pres
ident. it was learned. the only way
in which the complications that are
the direct result of varying values
can be met is by granting the Ex-
| ecutive increased power.
1t is likely that this recommen-
dation of the President will meet
with opposition from many House
and Senate leaders who are Jealous
of their prerogatives. And. Incl
dentally, they cAn be expected t.
! oppose this. because it would also
give the Secretary of the Treasury
additional powers.
Would Aid Russia.
At yesterdays Cabinet meeting
| in addition TO matters of impor-
lance dealing with the armament
conference. there was a half hour
discussion of the necessity fol-
American aid to the Russian starv.
ing population. 1t is understood
In l,
subject to the attention of Congress.
| in his message next Tuesday anC
| recommend that an appropriation
be made without delay.
The first business to be taken VI
by the Senate will be the oept re-
funding Legislation. In this con
nection the President is understood
to have fully approved the biI thai
passed the House, and Senate lead
I ers have promised to do all they
possibly can to expedite it,
The President in his message ars,
{ will discuss the surtax feature o
the recently revenue law
/ Just what he will say is not ye'
known. but it is believed that he
will again point out that the figure.
/ imposed are too high.
Philippines In Allegiance,
There Will be no specific recon-.
mendations in the message on the
/ Philippines. it is learned. The rea.
son for this is that the Philippine
! delegates have requested that She,
/ be heard. before the Presiden,
takes any position on the question
! of legislation affecting the islands
/ 1t is understood to be the view,
/ point of the President that, after
| all. If there is any dispute between
! Governor General Leonard WOOD
and the Philippine Assembly IL will
! come before him to settle. So ther,
is no reason for haste in discussine
any program. And it is accepted
| that the Islands will not figure in
| the deliberations of the armamen,
| conference in session here