The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-02-28
HARDING ASKS
AID GIVEN TO
SHIP OWNERS
Administration Plan for Cow
ernment Aid Presented to
Congress-U Urges Return to
Private Enterprise.
STRESSES IMPORTANCE
fBy Associated Press)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28-The ad-
ministration plan for government aid
for the American merchant marine
was presented to congress today by
President Harding with the declara
tion that the influence of the United
States in world councils is "sure to
be measured by that unfailing stand
ard which is founded on a national
merchant marine"
The president detailed to the two
houses, assembled in joint. session,
the wartime creation of Americas
great tonnage-an experimental ven-
ture, as he described it--and then he
added:
Having failed at such enormous
cost, | bring you the proposal which
contemplates the return TO private in
itiative and private enterprise, aided
to a conservative degree and safe
guarded against the promotion of pri-
vate greed, and not discouraging the
investors hope of profitable invest
ment, which underlies all successful
endeavors."
Salient Points
The salient points of this proposal,
embodied in bills introduced in each
house Immediately after the presi-
dents address, follow:
Aid estimated up to $32,0O0,000 an
nually to be provided for principally
by diversion of 10 percent of the ma
tion's customs receipts; requirements
that not more than so percent of the
immigrants to the United States be
transported in foreign ships; sale of
the tonnage now held by the shipping
board and use of the funds of a con-
struction loan fund; authorization for
induction of American merchant men
officers and sailors into the naval re-
serve with the intended allowance in
pay.
The president then detailed num-
Der of indirect aids mentioning in this
connection; amending of the inter-
state commerce acts to permit rail-
way systems to own and operate
steam ship lines engaged in other than
coastwise trade; making effective the
section of the merchant marine act
providing for preferential rail and
steamship rates on through shipments
on American vessels; insurance at no
greater cost than is afforded ships un-
der foreign flags.
Stresses importance
Mr.. Harding emphasized the import
"in view of suspended naval construc-
tion," declaring that without it mo
nation may hope to hold high place
in the world of commerce or be as
sured of adequate defense
Mr.. Harding In recommending the
plan for government aid said he fore
saw "the stiffest possible competition
by the fleets of the maritime nations" !"
| or+4 ID Lot
of the government would be necessary.
I'VE need a savoring spirit and a
whitened American pride and an
avowed American determination that
we shall become in the main the car
all competition and all discourage
ment." he continued. There can be
no dispute about the end at which we
are aiming"
| Whether because of the subject or
lack OF notice as to the definite time,
the galleries We're not more than two
thirds filled. The diplomatic gallery
was entirely vacant and even in the
| public section there were many vacant
seats including some solid rows.
Secretaries DENLY and Davis, Attor
ney General Daugherty, and Postmas
ter General Hays were among the
cabinet officers present. Before the
| president arrived the audience arose
| and applauded when Mrs Harding &C
companied by Mr. Coolidge Mrs Aller
| Longworth and Brigadier General Saw
yer entered the executive gallery. Mrs
Harding smilingly acknowledged the
| greeting.
The president began his address al
1888 o'clock. The first applause
came after he had been speaking /;
minutes when he declared Americ;
had the aspiration and determination
"to establish merchant marine com
mensurate with our commercial i'm
portance.'
Gets Applause.
There was applause when the execu
tive said government officials SHOULD
travel on American ships Brief ap
plause also followed statements the
American railways should not further
foreign shipping interests and shoult
be allowed to operate ships in othel
than coastwise traffic. The presiden
concluded at 1:10 o'clock, and the en-
tire audience arose and applauded al
he shook hands with the presidins
officer and others and left ths
chamber.