Indiana daily times., 1922-05-19
SHIP SUBSIDY
is VITAL TO
u. EXPORTS
Arguments in Support
of Government
Withdrawal.
Special 10 Indiana Daily Times
ard Philadelphia Public Ledger.
By b. f. DORAN.


By B. f. DORAN.
WASHINGTON, May 1e-Necessity OF
the quick passage of the ship subsidy
bill now before Congress and the early
withdrawal Of the Government from ac-
tive operation Of cargo and passenger
carrying vessels was impressed upon the
delegates at the closing session of the
tenth annual meeting of the Chamber of
Commerce of the United States here.
American traders were urged to sup
port the American ships. their use now
being considered vital to the future OF
commerce and industry in the United
States President Harding. one OF the
vSakers. said the present bill now be-
fo.e Congress, that would subsidize
United States shipping. is one of the most
important before that body, and ex-
pressed a wish that it would be speedily
adopted. He also made plea for con-
science In business.
URGES BETTER
INLAND WATERWAYS.
Other speakers who emphasized the i'm
portance Of ocean transportation were
Albert D. Lasker, chairman of the United
States shipping board; Harvey ]. Sconce,
a farmer of Sidell, Ill.,: J. L. Akerson.
former vice president of the Emergency
Fleet Corporation. and Frank c. Munson,
president of the Munson Steamship Lines
OF New York. Mr.. Sconce also urged I'm
provement In the inland waterways of
the country as an aid to the merchant
marine
The ship subsidy and merchant marine
questions, or problems. were discussed
from all angles. President Harding and
Mr.. Lasker ally presented the Govern
ment's side: Mr.. Seonce the viewpoint of
the farmer commander. Ackerson the
viewpoint OF the shipbulding. while Mr..
Munson made known their import from
the viewpoint OF the ship operator.
A resolution was adopted By the cham
her asking that Congress expedite con-
sideration Of legislation which has In
view the accomplis shment OF an adequate
privately owned and privately operated
merchant marine under the American flag
as necessary safeguard for the CONNER
cial advancement Of the United states"
Charles E. Hughes. Secretary Of State
presented to the delegates a concise state
ment on some aspects of the work of
his department" He declared the de-
partment is earnestly desirous of~aiding
ia the establishment of stable condi-
lions throughout the world and thus con-
tribute TO the welfare of other peoples
upon which our own prosperity must ul-
timately depend.
BUILDING DEFENDS
UPON SHIPPING.
American ship building depends upon
American shipping. Commander Acker
son said. An increase in American flag
shipping" he Continued, depends upon an
Increase in foreign trade shipping. upon
me- ability of American flag vessels TO
g. ri 4,,
crease in coastwire trade shipping
An Increase in international shipping is
certain, he declared, "but the question re
mains whether American operators can
operate their ships in competition In these
trades with foreign flag vessels.
Several of the larger operating com
f5ntes are now seriously making this ex-
pertinent The success will probably de-
pend upon pending legislation; with
favorable legislation it is probable that
the results will be satisfactory, resulting
IN a decided demand for passenger yes
sells, combination liners and special cargo
ships. all for operation In foreign trade
under the American flag"
Prospects OF American ship building
in the immediate future he declared are
not bright. but when viewed over a
period of from three to five years they
appear brighter than in any normal
period since the Civil War.
A merchant marine for the Cnited
States is a far more vital necessity than
erer before, according to Mr.. Munson.
The greatest single aid to our recovery
from the present industrial depression.
he continued, will be the creation of
larger market for American agricultural
products and a wider market for onr
manufactured goods. The surest way to
get these wider markets Is to have the
farmers business men and manufacturers