davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1922-01-15
NEED OF
GOVERNMENT AID
FOR MERCHANT
MARINE
WRITTEN ESPECIALLY FOR THE
SUNDAY STAR BY A. ID. LASkER,
CHAIRMAN OF THE L. 5.
SHIPPING BOARD.

IY Unless government aid is given
our American merchant ma
rine. the United States cannot
take its proper place among the
maritime nations of the world. With
this belief the President of the United
States is in hearty accord. and, as indi-
Gated in his last message to Congress.
will shortly address that body on the
subject.
There are three reasons why our
American merchant marine should re-
ceive government aid:
First-The equalization of differ
ential in the cost of operation of
American ships in comparison with
those of any other maritime nation.
Second-Encouragem of the es-
tablishment of desirable services
, upon essential trade routes. now ex-
pressly inundated by the merchant
marine act, that the foreign COM
merce of the United States may not
be dependent for carriage in ships of
competing agents.
Third-That the government itself
TE1llkc H1dAlUIuHH dfuOuHt
possible from its wartime invest
ments in commercial tonnage and
may withdraw at the earliest possi-
BILE moment from its undesirable po-
sition as ship owner.
The differential of operating cost
between vessels of the United States
and of other nations is due to the
difference in the standard of living
in America and abroad. American
labor is paid. in general. not less than
40 per cent higher wages than similar
labor in any other country. The cost
of this labor in the construction OF
the ship makes the product of an
American shipyard 25 per cent more
expensive to her owner than wuGId
have been a duplicate ship construct
ed abroad.
As the ship owner must pay each
year interest, depreciation and in
surance, based upon this excess of
first cost. the initial difference creates
an annual burden, which the Ameri-
can owner must carry and which
does not devolye upon his competitor.
Evening star., 1922-01-15

our government ships vary. The usual
arrangement, however. is that the
steamship companies pay the Shipping
Board on the basis of so cents a ton
per month, A 10.00O-ton ship would
earn the government $1,000 month.
Through the above-named COM
panies. government ships are now
navigating the high seas. as follows:
A fleet of thirteen modern ships are
plying between New York. Plymouth,
London, Cherbourg, Boulogne, Danzig
and Bremen. A second line operates
four ships between New York. Rio
de Janeiro. Montevideo and Buenos
Aires. The American Legion is one
of the ships in the South American
service A third line of four ships
operates in the south Pacific trade.
The route is known as the Sunshine
Belt" and the ships sail between San
Francisco. Honolulu. Manila. Hong
kong, Shanghai, Kobe and Yokohama.
A fourth line operates four ships be-
tween Seattle. Yokohama, Kobe.
Hongkong. Shanghai and Manila.
These ships. including service and ef-
erything. are distinctly American.
They are American as to ownership,
service food and personnel.
The theory of government owner
ship and operation of ocean steam
ships ras at last been definitely
abandoned in the United States. OF
the total tonnage of 13.63S.I11 now
owned by the government only 3,501,-
$50 tons are in use, as stated above.
The enormous tonnage of 10.135.461
is now standing idle and cared for at
considerable expense. Unused ships
deteriorate rapidly. Under the pres
ent condition of world commerce 1t
seems that it is impossible to put this
enormous idle tonnage to use.
X 4 X
A VERY strong factor in operating
~ against the United States COM
peting in ocean navigation with for
eign nations are the navigation laws
of the United States. Now, Norway
and many other foreign countries
have an abundance of seamen. SO
they can get at least 65 per cent of a
crew who have served three years at
Evening star., 1922-01-15

allies. The emergency of war was no
time to consider the possibility of
building a well-balanced fleet of ves-
sells for commercial purposes. The
problem was to produce ships in suffi-
cient number and kind to support the
overseas forces.
The second period, from November
II, 1918, the date of the armistice. to
June 5. 1920. the date of the approval
Of the merchant marine act. was an
uncertain and speculative era. Tenn
porariiy there was scarcity of
ships, due to the demand for ton
rage to carry food and materials to
the stricken European nations. An
acute domestic fuel situation, partic-
ularly in New England, required re-
lief through the ALLEGATION of ton
mage. During most of this period
charter rates and tonnage prices We're
very high, but in the spring of 1920
a decline in charter rates was ac-
complished by a decline in tonnage
value. Therefore, this second period
was marked by sudden changes. and
boards operations. complete reversal
Of policy and methods. Immediately
after the signing of the armistice
the boards construction activities
were curtailed as rapidly as the
physical condition of the building
program and the financial interests
of the government permitted. Never
theless. the sharp curtailment of the
huge building program necessarily
caused serious arrangements in many
overlapping stages of production and
vitality affected many industries.
The third period, June 5. 1920, and
subsequent thereto, was our greatest
period in shipbuilding. The para
mount duty Of the Shipping Board
under the merchant marine act, 1920,
is to establish. promote and maintain
an American merchant marine.
This period marks the return to
normal conditions through readjust-
ments. It marks the effort to secure
a merchant marine adapted for peace
purposes and in time of emergency
adapted as an auxiliary to-the Army
and Navy.
Evening star., 1922-01-15

build steamships. on long time without
interest. But the most popular form
Of aid has been mail snbventions.
AS a matter of fact the United
States is now paying what is in effect
a subsidy to certain lines to operate
the ships of the Shipping Board; the
government guarantees certain of the
companies operating our. ships
against loss. Owing to the demoral-
lied condition of foreign money there
is very little freight going to foreign
countries or coming from them. I'm
der the present conditions It, is diff
cult to get responsible companies to
evitable heavy loss. So. the pros
pect. is that a very large percentage
Of our new ships will continue to re-
main idle for an indefinite time.
THE task of the Shipping Board
during the war emergency was to
construct with tho greatest possible
speed. through Its agency. the United
States Shipping Board Emergency
Fleet Corporation, vessels that would
II ansport troops and cargoes over.
seas. During this period the entire
national effort was conferred on win
ming the war" Tho loss Of tonnage
from submarine sinking Yves alarm
Ing. 1t was impossible to predict the
I.no%h ~ <ba 1A>r0ancv = nd Slit =
ability of vessels for peace.tifne serv-
ices could not be considered. Had
the war continued. with the conse-
quent continuation of tonnage losses
through enemy gunhre. submarine at
tacks and submerged, mines. all of
the vessels for which contracts were
piaced would have been needed by the
Evening star., 1922-01-15


The activities of the law division
for the past year consisted princi-
pally Of the conduct Of all legal work
arising from the various activities Of
tho board and Emergency Fleet Cor
poration. Formerly actual Htiga-
ton Comprised only q small portion
of the work OF the law division, but.
due to the differences which have
arisen on account Of the 'retrenchment
and cafcellation Of the construction
activities. litigation activities have
steadily increased until. they have
become an important function.
The following statements. from
Lloyds Register of Shipping. presents
., concise review. Of the changes in
shipping during the seven years be-
Evening star., 1922-01-15

en- at very great cost to the ship
owners. Few crews can stand the
morbid allurements of foreign port,
particularly when they have money
A number of countries pay subven-
tions to foreign steamship lines. They
pay subsidies also to their own steam
ship companies. The principal pur-
pose in paying subventions to for
eign ocean lines has been to utilize
foreign steamship services operating
to remote points.
The only direct. financial aid ex-
tended by the United States has been
the payment of mail subventions
Such payments may be divided into
three periods. namely, 1s47 to 1857,
1854 to 1877 and 1891 to date.
Prior to the enactment OF the pos
tai subsidy law Of March 8. 1891. the
efforts of the United States along this
line were somewhat spasmodic and
lacked definite purpose. Apparently
too much was expected within
short time, and serious mistakes were
made. Too much speed and other un-
reasonable demands were made. au-
thorities claim. The experience Of
the United States with mail subven-
tions has not, SO history records, been
very encopraging.
The ship subsidy idea has never
been popular one In the United
States, France has been called the
"ho,,ntv giving nafion mar excel
lence." Germany, Austria. Great
Britain. Italy. Japan. Belgium. Hol-
land. Spain. Portugal and Ave South
American republics all extended
financial aid in. some form to. their
own steamship lines or to those of
foreign countries Some countries
would loan money with which to
Evening star., 1922-01-15

active ship operation will meet with
small success, and the country will
be faced with the alternative, not only
of failing to realize any appreaiable
amount from its emergency fleet. but
also with maintaining in operation q
large portion of this tonnage at an
annual loss probably in excess of any
amount to be requested as a govees-
ment aid. -,s- fss
with proper government az E -
vate shipping we will on the up-Afh
of business probably be able to dis
pose of considerable number of our
government-ownedv vessels and recov-
er into the Treasury rnjlli"s- Of dol
lars not now recoverable. but made
SO by the Treasury aid 50 extended.
Evening star., 1922-01-15

FURTHER, the wages paid sea-
I going personnel similarly are not
less than IS per cent higher than
those paid in other maritime nations
and, indeed. swna the present un-
settled state of foreign exchange
rates. this difference may run to a
much higher figure.
At the most conservative estimate,
the American ship owner has a
handicap of one-third of his full out :
lay for wages. The annual burden
imposed by the two excessive operat-
ing charges. namely. that of higher
carrying charges on a higher fixed
cost, and that of higher wages. may
be realized by saying that the diff
ferential alone amounts to s Der
Evening star., 1922-01-15

sea. Any Ameuican ship must have
that per centage of men who have
seen three years service. when man.
ming a ship. under the La Toilette
law. This forces US to engage for
eign sailors II we man any consider
able number Of ships.
During the war the La Toilette Law
was thrown to the winds. Another
feature Of the law Is that 1t requires
the ship owners, or the master, to pay
his sailors at least SO per cent of the
salaries due them upon their arrival
at any port. This demoralises the
crew, units them for service and Oft.
Evening star., 1922-01-15

the following countries: The South
American countries. Cuba. Mexico.
Japan, China, Philippine Islands. Porto
Rico. Honolulu. England. France, italy.
Germany. Norway. Sweden. Denmaris
and some others.
Six steamship organizations have been
are Moore & Mccormack. Inc. Roose-
welt steamship Company. Inc; United
American Lines. Inc: Munson steam-
ship Lines. Pacific Mail Steamship Com
pany, the Admiralty Line (Pacific
Steamship company).. The conditions
under which these companies charter
Evening star., 1922-01-15

fold his hands and LAY down.. To
be sure. he was quiet q good while.
witnessing what looked like the
threatened total destruction Of the
world and of civilization. But Uncle
Sam suddenly woke up one morning,
so to speak. and began the worlds
greatest shipbuilding program.
- ~
Turing this visit with your Uncle
Il Sam, we were taken In hand very
courteously by Albert D. LAsker.
chairman Of the United States Ship
ping Board; Ralph v. sollitt az
aictant to the chairman; Clifford W.
Evening star., 1922-01-15
COST OF OPERATING U. S. SHIPS

Up to June the lsooo month navi
~ gate the high with Isl ships.
Beginning July ships
duced from ISL to 4 To operate this latter number the
ment is paying out So0oo each month ooooe
ships South American trade the
$4,000 round trip For the ships
ming government $4,000
for each round trip
Evening star., 1922-01-15

DROBLEMS That the United States the
Worlds Greatest mo Enterprise Developed the World War So
Thrilled People All Nations the Wonderful Productive Power of America
Along This One Particular Scale the Work and the Haste Waste
Shipping Board.
Evening star., 1922-01-15

In 1907 the United States had less
than 10 per cent of the worlds steel
steam tonnage: in 1914 we still had
less than 10 per cent, while at pres
ent, through our vast war expendi-
lures. we have 26 per cent of the
worlds steel tonnage and 27 per cent
of the worlds total tonnage.
In a word, the tonnage under the
American flag is adequate to conduct
not only so per cent of the commerce
of the United States, as 1t did last
year. but over IS per cent Of the for
eign commerce of this country. and
our coasting trade as well. according
to the United States commissioner OF
navigation. who extended every
courtesy in furnishing this informa-
tion.
Evening star., 1922-01-15

fore the outbreak Of the war. in the
summer Of 1914. and during the seven
subsequent years:
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
TWO ESCAPE in DAYLIGHT JAIL BREAK
Shall the Red Cross Perish?
SHALL THE RED CROSS PERISH?

SHALL THE RED CROSS PERISH?
This the question that every and woman III Ard
must 1t is question that must be answered
at 1t is strictly to every man and woman in Ard
to decide whether the Red Cross shall live die
The annual Red Cross drive opened more than week
ago. The goal $4,000 The efficiently or
ganzed with John Easey at the head Intensive and COM
prehensive work doneyet the drive fell far short
1t wasn't the leaders fault. The whole fault with
the people of Ardmore The response to the call of he
greatest mother in the world" was disheartening.
SHALL THE RED CROSS PERISH:
The Red too we'll known to dwell its virtues
1t is the organization that gave the wounded and
diseased boys of the world It's minserng hand has
been laid upon suffering in practically every tragedy the
United States has known
But that is not all.
Right here at the Red Cross angel of mercy.
It's work that Of helping the unfortunate the MANNED the
shell shocked and the disabled ex-servce who left
helpless partially helpless from the of There
hundreds of those boys yet many of them boys
Of Carter county
We PROMISED them when they went away, gaily smil-
ing into that would take of them. The tumult
and the shouting has died awayye they suffering for
our sakes-for the sake of humanity.
1t is little enough to do this small donation to the Red
Cross Most OF the money give remains right here at
home and given out to such boys these Every penny
of the money is accounted for
SHALL THE RED CROSS PERISH?
Suppose the year has been hard suppose there
calls for money Can afford to turn
backs such as this?
The local post of the American Legion is supervising the
handling of the Red Cross money and the that
under its It's most worthy
SHALL THE RED CROSS PERISH
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
victim OF Mine
WAR Returns TO
TELL HIS Story
Man Was Shot After Being
Marched Through Throng
Jeering Sympathizers
Of Strike.

MARION, Ill.-Shot down ana left to
die on a lonely roadside, Dan O'Rourke
today returned TO accuse his assailant
at the trial of five men charged with
murder in connection with the Herrin
riot
That O'Rourke. who still bears the
sears left by his injuries. had come back
from the very shadow OF the grave 10
testify for The prosecution. was announc-
ed BY counsel for the state by opening
nj court thus morning.
O'Rourke WAS one OF the six men who
other witnesses have testified We're shot
down before the Herrin city cemetery
after they had been mnrchd through
the town by singing jeering mob.
one witness told ot seelnn the six
dead and desperately wounded men in
the road. ihr,S OF them still breathing
and all bound together /. rope about
their necks. Another told of fearing
TO take II drink OF water 10 two suffer
ers and of being ordered away with a
curse by one OF the defendants.
According to attorneys for the prose
cuticn. one ot these men was p'Rourkc
ana the other was Howard Hoffman
who died two days later In the Herrin
hospital. ~ Vourke Is under heavy guard
and Il was expected he would be call
ed tc the stand az soon US possible.
Mrs. Marge Nelson. the wife OF a
farmer living near the "strip' mint
where the riot started. was the first
witness. She told Of seeing a crowd oi
possibly five hundred armed men, with
about ten prisoners.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
SHOO'TSUP TOWN,
fires HIS HOME,
landed IN JAIL
Flowers Bloomed Out in Real
Jag Sunday Morning, But
Withers Behind the
Bars Today.

Charles Flowers of Brock, blossomed
out in big Sunday jag. and as a re-
suit. was landed in the county jail last
night by officers Ginn and Smith, who
had been summoned to suppress his
unseemly Uprising.
The officers say that Flowers got
full OF corn juice, and proceeded TO do
u little PLAIN and fancy shooting about
the metropolis Of the new oil field.
The neighbors objected TO his marks.
nanship. however. and sent out an S.
o. 5. TO the sheriffs office for assist.
ance. II Is also alleged that Flowers in
some manner applied the torch To his
home which was burning merrily be-
fore extinsuished.
Officer Smith said that the only
thing Flowers lacked 10 remind one Of
the restriction of ancient Rome. was
fiddle 10 play while the cleaning
flames were mounting the castle
walls Of his home.
Flowers will be given u preliminary
hearing before Justice Butcher as soon
Us the county attorney decides what.
and how many charges will be filed
against him.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
CITY FIRE CHIEF
RECEIVES BURNS
IN NIGHT BLAZE
McFall is Rescued By Two of
His Men Preventing Pos
sible Death in House
on Fire.

While searching q burning house 10
locate occupants late Saturday night.
Fire Chief AIcTall was overcome with
smoke and badly burned about 1he
face and body but was rescued by TWO
Of his men. Hurley ard e'aran. before
he was completely overcome.
He is resting nicely at Hardy san
itarium this morning. but is still In
much pain from the burns. A number
of cuts on the face may leave number
Of bad scars. 1t was said but the chief
will recover and be out within n cou-
pie Of weeks.
The house belonged TO Claude Pruitt
and was discovered in flames at about
midnight Saturday 10y persons living
in the neighborhood, and when the de-
partment arrived someone stated that
the occupants were inside. Chief McFml
then went inside to make sure.
After the fire an investigation reveal.
ed that the house was unOccupied. Loss
Ia the property owner is about $1,000.
Il was stated this morning.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
ROBERTS ELECTED
HEAD TO LEAGUE

DALLAS, Texas. Doak Roberts
OF Dallas. was reelected president OF
the TrXas-Oklahoma league AZ a meet
Ing here yesterday hut permanent or.
ganiIation was not completed. Paris.
sherman. Ardmore and Mexia were
represented At the meeting. while Cor.
slcana sent assurances that IL was
ready 10 join under certain cindltionS,
". A. pupuy OF Waco. was present and
announced readiness TO take over the
GrcenVllle OF it, alternate. Mineral
Wells. franchise. should they give 1,
M
While this seemingly assure six
team circult. II was said two NOR,
clubs would be sought. Austin and
Temple. Texas. and purant and Dun.
csn, Okla. being mentioned. A sche.
dule OF lao games was agreed upon yes
tprdav.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
DISPLAY POSTPONED
ACCOUNT CHRISTMAS

Because of the proximity OF Christ
mas, the Factory club Will not hold q
display NJ any OF the suburban stores
on next Saturday, as has been done
during the past several weeks. Secrc.
tsry NJ. Il. Anderson said Monday.
on last saturday. the display was held
at the j. l.. George store a, IL X street
southwest, Cake from the Perfect Sys.
tenn bakery, and coffee from the Ard.
more Coffee company were served. The
first prize was awarded TO Mrs. Charles
Williams OF l0e n street. northwest:
second TO Mira. Pink MoCann OF 1921
West Main street. and third prize to
Mrs j. Is. Shsffer Of 9l5 Il street. north.
west.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
Passenger Service
In Fine Condition
For Christmas Folk

Passenger service has been maintain.
ed to n high grade OF efficiency accord
ing TO local agents. and II seems that
the Christmas visitors are gazing TO
arrive ut home on tlmc-!f they start
on time.
Usually the train service gets bad
during the rush around Christmas
time and this is especially so when the
weather Is cold and bad. In the past
some OF the roads put on extra trains
to take care OF the traffic.
The Santa Fe Il advertising traffic
par excellence and word has gone out
that every necessary step TO expedite
trains will be taken. In order that the
service be maintained efficnetly. The
Santa he IL making record fof arriv'
al on time In ,his division, j, was said
this morning.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
White Christmas
Is FOrecaSted by
Weather GueSSers

The mercury reached a minimum Of
2s degrees sunday night with the max.
imum sunday o. ~ degrees.
A stiff north wind maoe II very lie.
agreeable in this locality Sunday and
u White Christmas is predicted by
many who take Il chance OF guessing on
weather conditions.
The recent cold wave has been boon
to the farmers throughout this entire
section of the state. and with few ex-
ceptions, all hogs for home consump-
tion have been killed and properly TAX.
en- care OF under the most favorable
conditions.
Winter wheat is looking we'll. al.
though the acreage was greatly reduced
this season in anticipation OF a larger
acreage In cotton another year.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-18
25.YEAR CLUB
Men Who Have Been in
Ardmore q Quarter OF
. Century.

4. Z. Jones, is one Of the real old
timers. who helped develope Ardmure
from It's infancy into the city II is to.
day. and has been a factor In every
public enterprise that has made the
city prosper.
Born In Winchester, ky.. May IL.
1859. his early life was spent ON the
fstin. but ms soon as he was old enough
n longing for the west took hold of him
aud he landed In Afdnure November
ig. lssi. to make his future home.
When he arrived. he found the city
Of his dreams somewhat ont Of tune.
The town was "a struggling collection
Of small frame buildings and the streets
or the trails that passed for streets.
were the favotite haunts Of indiscfim'
mate herbs OF hogs that were allowed
TO run wild and kept the paths well
p,oued to receive the rains. and az he
sa,s. every one carried a big fort, ,-five
but me"
AIR. Jones has the distinction of being
tn, oldest srOcer In the city and Is still
.nrarsd In his favorite calling