Evening star., 1921-03-12
BENSON ADVOCATES
LIFTING SHIP TOLL

LII IHu O!II iULL
A firm stand in favor OF immediate
Iabrogation of foreign commercial
treaties where they menace the well
fare and prosperity of the American
merchant marine was taken today by
Chairman Benson of the Shipping
Board. Having been informed yester-
day by President Harding that the
board will function of rthe present,
exactly as it did under the Wilson
administration, Chairman Benson to-
day declared his stand in favor of
abrogation OF foreign commercial
treaties, lifting Of the Panama canal
tolls to American Vessels engaged in
coastwise trade and a fair and un-
biased trial of the Jones merchant
marine act.
The chairman also took occasion to
censure American friends of for
eign bottoms" whom he characterized
as the most deadly foes" of the
American merchant marine.
Asks Trial for Act.
The chairman's statement in full fol-
lows:
why any one should seriously con-
slider jeopardizing the marine act of
1920 is beyond me. To scrap this wise
piece of legislation is a step in the
wrong direction and one so fraught
with serious consequences as to war
rant strong protest from those who
believe in a merchant marine.
whether the board should have
seven or five members or only one Is
a matter upon which men may differ
or agree without doing great harm to
the constructive features of the act.
But to give serious thought to scrap
|,1i oof in 70 iC nj N "
into the hands of our foes-our most
deadly ones. These men, who mask
as Americans interested in our ma
rine, are really playing the game for
the foreign steamship interests they
represent.
"The enforcement of sections %. "a
and other sections having in mind the
upbuuding of our marine must be
given a fair and square test before
any one be allowed to Smoke-screen
the issue.
In Line with President.
II believe that the lifting of the
Panama canal tolls in favor of our
ships engaged in coaStwise trade is a
mighty good thing and will accom-
plish much. I believe. above all. that
when our American friends Of foreign
bottoms learn that we mean business
and that the merchant marine act of
1920 will have a fair trial before any
attempt is made to change 1t they
will change the tune of their song.
There will be little to fear if the
American press does it's work for the
marine as we'll in the next six months
as it has in the last five years awak-
ened the hip-mindedness of America"
The chairman's tand on the COM
mercial treaty and Panama canal tolls
questions was said today to be direct
ly in line with President Harding'S s
own thought on these two matters.
1t was explained by officials of the
Shipping Board that the chairman
wishes a thorough trial of the Ship
ping act given under the Harding ad-
ministration and that by a declara-
tion of policy such as he made today,
he can make his position definitely
known. The opportunity for such a
declaration came when he was ad-
vised yesterday by President Harding
that the President wished the board
to function for the present, as it has
done in the past. At the same time it
was learned today strong pressure has
been brought on President Harding
for retention of Admiral Benson as
chairman of the board.
Y. Credit Abroad In Danger.
That the credit of the Shipping
Board in foreign countries was being
seriously impaired and the develop
ment of American foreign trade
jeopardized as a result of the un-
organized state of the Shipping
Difficulties relating to disburse-
ments. which were eating at the vi
tails of the organization had become
so serious that the Presidents atten-
tion was called to them. The facts
were laid before the chief executive
Ter, who sought authority to make
disbursements on behalf of tn board
to save its fast-crumbling credit
abroad.
$3,OOO,OOO In Drafts Drawn.
1t was shown that since the advent
of the new administration approx
mately 100000 in drafts had been
drawn against the board in various
parts of the world by agents. of
companies operating Shipping Board
vessels under management agree
mnts. These drafts have remained
unpaid pending decision as to the
right Of the present board to dis
burse money.
President Harding acted promptly
when acquainted with the situation.
Word has come to me-" he wrote
to Chairman Benson. that there is
some embarrassment relating to dis
bursement on behalf of the Shipping
Board because of the temporary un-
organized state of the board.
II am writing to reaftirm my pre-
vious request that you continue to
function as though the board were
fully organized and assert your full |
authority under the law.
II would like you to Immediately |
advise department heads. disbursing |
or other agencies of the |
board to function in a normal way 1
and be confident Of the support of the |
executive in meeting the exigencies |
which arise.
Benson Agrees to Act.
"I cannot believe it the intention of |
Congress to make possible situation |
under which the board ceases to func-
tion, even though but one commits
sioner were on duty.
II should like to be assured of your
full understanding of this official re-
quest and will be confident of your
Herewith"
Commenting on the Presidents let
ter, after he had made 1t public,
Chairman Benson said:
II shall assume and act with full
authority in everything necessary to
carry on the functions of the board"
Decision regarding the membership
Of the Shipping Board was held in
abeyance today and indications were
no nominations would be sent to the
Senate before it ends its special ses-
sion tonight. The Presidents diff
Guilty. it is understood. has been in
tinding a capable shipping man for
ing to sever his connection with pri-
yate shipping concerns in order to
comply with the law.
Today the President discussed the
situation with several members of
Congress, including Senator Fletcher.
democrat. Of Florida. a member of the
Senate commerce committee. !