New-York tribune., 1921-10-06
LeviathanCiven
Final Inspection
By US. Officials
Four Shipping Board COM
missioners Will Make Rec.
concentrations ON What
to DO With the Big Liner
Lasker Has His Ideas
Has Surveyed Former Ger
man Vessel and Knows
Conditions Aboard Boat

Inspection Of the Leviathan was
made yesterday by four Shipping Board
commissioners 10 get frst-hand in
formation on the condition of the YES
sci before deciding to spend between
$8,00o,OOO and s10,O00,oO0 to rcft her
for passenger service.
Commissioners T. V. OConnor,
Meyer Lissner. George f. chamberlain
and f. I. Thompson were accompanied
on their tour by P. A S. Franklin,
president of the international Mer-
officials of the company. Shipping
Board Chairman Lasl1er was not pres
ent. as he has examined the ship al
ready.
The commissioners said that the
board will reach a decision soon on the
disposition of the Leviathan. The
specifications prepared by naval archi
tects in cooperation with the Inter
national Merchant Marine, which is
caretaker for the vessel. have been
com pleted and have been forwarded to
gency Fleet Corporation. 1t is ex
pected that within ten days Mr. Powell
will be ready to submit his recon-
mendations to the board, which then
viii pass finally upon the question of
That is to be done with this giant ship.
The board desires to recondition the
Leviathan and place her in operation
under the American flag, officials said
Yesterday but lacks funds. The last
request sent by the board to Congress
for funds amounted to $100,00o,000,
which included a maximum of S10,O00,-
600 to reft the former German liner.
Cut to Sac, s,5O0,OO0
This sum was reduced by Congress
to $4S,5O0,O 600. The appropriation
omitted any money for the Leviathan.
If the board determines to go forward
with plans on the ship, it was int
mated to-day, bids will be asked from
various shipyards, and Congress then
essary money.
The Lcviathan now is costing the
Shipping Board about s50,Oo0 month
as she lies idle at her pier. Eighteen
months ago the ship was offered Tor
sale The highest bid was that Of the
International Mercantile Marine Com
pany for $500 ,O00. The sale was pre-
vented by an injunction suit brought
by W. R. Hearst, acting in his capacity
As a taxpayer.
Decision will be reached soon by the
>NIppluS DOdfu OH lto AtiAJicHS Will
,he international Mercantile Marine
There will be an answer to the ques-
ton whether the board will give its
support to the International Mercan
tile Marine as an American company,
and whether the Leviathan when re-
conditioned will be a!locatcd to the
company fer operation.
Commissioner Z. c. Plummer said
that the board was favorably impressed
with the frankness Of Nh Franklin
and will give particular attention to
his assertions on The differences be-
tween the operating costs CT American
and British vessels. Comm ssioner
Thompson Joined with Mr. Piummer in
| saying that .he board has no precon-
ceived jCdG cnt and will give testi-
mony an impartial study before reach
ing decision
Franklin Regarded as Fair
The outstanding feature of the testi-
mony OF Mr.. Franklin, Commissioner
Plummer said, was the fact that vessels
under the American flag, operated by
the same management as British yes
sells, show large adverse diferential
IN cost. The board is determined that
an American merchant marine shall be
established and maintained, and steps
will be taken to offset existing handi-
caps, Mr. Plummer said
whether it will hold a further hear
ing, but this is probable when the
commissioners have gone over the test
money If there is an additional meet
ing 1t will be held in Washington, the
commissioners said.
Under the shipping act of 1916 the
board has the power to disapprovc