The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-20

6ASoS anu VhC SOuAbAys AltHOuBH ne absolves Admiral Benson, former chairman of the board, from having any knowledge of the misrepresenta- tions made, 1t is only too evident that no private corporation was ever operated in such a slipshod, hap hazard fashion.
 The accounting systems, which were started in the stress of war, are so badly confused that in spite of the reports of outside auditors the chairman is not yet able to guarantee the figures. In addition to these millions which have been thrown away without the knowledge or consent of the American people, it is proposed to ask for a relief ap- propriation of approximately $300,- 000,000 for the current fiscal year. According to public records, $100,- 000,000 was all that was appro- priated for the board during the last fiscal year.
 Some idea of the way in which the shipping boards affairs have been conducted may be gained from two instances cited by Chairman Lasker. Seven times the plans for the American Legion," an ocean liner, were withdrawn. MT. Lasker says, First the American Legion was an army transport, then a navy transport, thena hospital ship, then it was determined to make her cattle boat and after spending money on all these blueprints, it was decided to transform her into pas senger ship-and she is a beauti- ful and fine passenger ship. But she cost between $6,000,OO0 and $7,000,0O0 before she sailed her first mile. Her real worth is probably about half her cost" MT. Lasker say he also heard of ship being turned back in midsea to take on a cargo on which the operator made $4,O00 and the government lost $8,000.
 The record of the shipping board was not needed to convince the American people that government ownership is snare and delusion. They had learned that lesson al- ready. We must have a merchant marine, but it will be liability in- stead of an asset as long as it is controlled by politicians, time servers and governmental misfits. That's the only kind of government ownership we seem able to get in this country.
 Something like 100, 900, 900 newspaper readers have doubtless observed that when a Washington correspondent can't find anything else to write about he can always hang new" story on Uncle Joe Cannon.
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 The Mikado is getting to be reg ular fellow" He rode through Tokio out concealing his Identity or havins the streets lined with troops.
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 Japan is Keeping one eye on the far east and the other on Washing 1 ton. and is finding out how hard it is to look in opposite directions at the same time.
 The blue law reformers will never interdict the Sunday afternoon nap. We have a suspicion that they take maps instead of playing golf or rout ing out the family flivver.
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 The shipping board is estimated to have lost ssso.ooo,oo0 during the fis- cal year just ended. Cue for loud groans from the taxpayers.
 All, may not yet be lost. but there is something ominous in the way Listers premier walked right out of the proceedings.
 It remains to be seen whether or rot Devalera will go down in history as the George Washington of Ire land.
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 Thoughtful murderers leave fare well note to the public, which makes excellent reading in the newspapers next morning.
 < * Y -ls ha O getting rich in oil are said to be