New-York tribune., 1921-05-19

reflected in the reconstruction policies
OF the Shipping Board, which has sim
iisriy worked toward normalcy,
Shipping Boards Position
II can do no better than to outline
the Shipping Boards position in the
present marine controversy to the
leading business men of this country.
II hope you will carry back the
message to your fellow citizens. You
understand the Importance and the
intricacies of handling labor problems
since you have dealt so successfully
with your own.
81 need not rehearse to you the
events leading up to- the present
strained situation. You have undoubt-
edly become familiar with them
arongh the statements in the daily
sress. The effort is being made to
paralyze the operation of American
ships on all four coasts. The out
standing question in the present con-
troversy is whether the arbitrary ex-
ercise of power under leadership
largely is to be allowed to defeat the
determined purpose of the American
people TO maintain upon the high seas
merchant marine under their own
flag.
During the war it was necessary
for the shipping industry, like all other
industries, to greatly increase its wage
scales in order to meet new economic
conditions. The drop in the purchas-
ing value of the dollar became so seri-
Gus as to necessitate radical readjust-
ment. | am prepared to admit that the
pay table of 1914 may not have ade-
quateiy met the needs of merchant
marine manned by American citizens.
The 100 per cent and more increase,
\, Ii ioh y r11D hn
war now requires adjustment. After
mature and careful consideration ! be-
came convinced that reduction of 5
per cent in the wage scales existing
May was not only justified but Inn
perative. On this basis I take my stand
and will adhere TO it unaualifiediy.
Unions Attitude Adverse
''The Shipping Board as a govern
ment institution has always stood Yor
equality of opportunity of employment
to any suitably qualified men. 1t must,
however. recognize the general princi-
Pile of collective bargaining. This made
it necessary to call into consultation
the various marine unions as repre-
senting very large percentages Of the
personnel in the merchant marine. The
adverse attitude of the leaders of the
unions, uncompromising even on this
moderate reduction, is a matter of rec
ord.
MANY questions irre1evant TO the
principle of wage reduction we're intro
dueed and tended to cloud the issue.
Some of these questions, such as that
of union preference, could only be re-
jected by the government. Others, such
as the enforcement of the seamen's
act. could only be Endorsed by the gov
~
have been settled By negotiation. The
refusal of the leaders 60 even discuss
the necessary wage reduction made
further progress along this line inapos-
sihle.
my appeal directly to the personnel
of the merchant marine has met with
a very gratifying response. Many of
fers of assistance have come to us.
have stated publicly, and again re
affirm, the intention Of the Shipping
Board TO give fullest protection, both
now and after the settlement OF the
controversy, so all who come to its aid.
Ships Continue to Move
"Reports from all of our outlying
districts continue to be encouraging.
The movement of ships is going stead
ily on A remarkable Endorsement or
the position Of the Shipping Board has
come through the reduction in marine
wages which has just taken place in
Great Britain. The negotiations IN
England were conducted in much the
same manner as in this country. There
was, however, meeting of minds IN q
cordial and conciliatory spirit which
has resulted in the British wage scale
being reduced by $1215 a month at nor
NAL rates of exchange. AS nearly as
can be estimated, the average reduc-
ton approximates the is per cent re"
duetion proposed here.
1.-THE general reductions in wages
taking place in all departments OF in
dustry and for the most part in excess
Of the moderate reduction proposed by
the Shipping Board convinces me that
stand upon absolutely firm ground.
The new reduced wage scale is in ef-
feet and the Shipping Board will con-
tinue to make use of all its resources
to keep its ships moving and prevent
the success of this effort to defeat the
permanent resstablishment of the
American merchant marine"