New-York tribune., 1922-11-12

| industry were matters of considerable
public concern. This interest dwindled
during She period when the country
was engrossed in its internal develop
ment. There is evidence now of re-
turn to the former position. The ma.
tion is becoming more dependent upon
foreign commerce and in the ships
which are the delivery wagons of that
trade. 1t lies within the power OF
the American Marine Association to
stimulate the attention of the public
and to direct 1t in the proper chan
nels, though this is something which
cannot be achieved overnight.
Aside from the attitude of the gen
eral public, the marine exposition has
proved valuable as a meeting place for
men engaged in the various branches
OF ocean shipping. A survey of the
program during the last week shows
that it was attended by shipowners,
operators, builders, naval architects,
marine engineers, towboat men, radio
telegraphers, marine officers of all
classes and representatives Of allied
industries.
Interest in the exposition was pro-
noted by the fact that other marine
organizations gave their support and
In several instances arranged their an
nual conventions to coincide with the
show at the Grand Central Palace. This
not only increased the attendance but
also revealed the possibilities of de-
veloping an annual event at which lead
ers in the various branches of the in
dustry can meet and exchange views.
A survey of the addresses delivered
during the week directs attention to
authoritative statements on ship opera
tion and building, naval architecture,
engineering problems and other highly
specialized features. Joint discussions
served to turn the shipping men for
the moment from their own affairs to
those of their co-workers in the marine
field.
Shows Shipping Progress
One of the results of the various ses-
sions was the production of new infor-
nation, outlined in the addresses on
the progress which is being made in
research into operation, building and
engineering. The show emphasized
the value of new inventions.
While considerable attention was
devoted to legislation and the need
for government aid to shipping, several
speakers pointed out to steamship men
possibilities for further economies
which lie within their reach, especially
| with respect to expenditures on board
vessels. The ship master of to-day
does not have the responsibilities that
were placed upon him in the days be-
fore wireless was developed. One re-
suit is that he no longer has the power
to control expenditures to the same
extent, and in many cases also be does
not have the inclination. There seems
| to be an opportunity for progress
through making the master more Of q
factor in operating policies and by
n ,pSn h,, ~F
| bonuses, such as those tried success
| fully by the Standard Oil Company
| Substantial evidence was presented
| TO show that considerable savings can
be made with respect 80 fuel, subsis-
/ tence and insurance. Not only was
| this assumption supported by state
ments from captains, but the results
Of experiments by the Shipping Board
| tend to confirm it. The captain, the
| engineer and the steward are in posi-
tIons to save much more money for
their companies than the most efficient
purchasing agents.
Government Work Revealed
Outstanding features of the show
| were the exhibits displayed by the
government departments, the Shipping
Board, the navy, the Department Of
Commerce, the Coast Guard and
-. wac a. lcFelaJiOfl TO many
who had thought casually on the sub
| Ject before, how much work is being
done by the government for shipping.
Whatever blame there may be for lack
Of consistent legislation in behalf OF
merchant vessels, the same negligence
cannot De attributed to the executive
branches of the government for doing
their best within the limits imposed
upon them.
1t was the consensus of visitors that
it was good show, an event that
should be encouraged, with possibilities
tor development in the future that
! should be followed vigorously.