The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-02-28
MERCHANT MARINE
AID PLAN GIVEN
President Harding Tells Congress Why
Help of s32,ooo,ooo Annually
Is Sought.

Washington. d. G., Feb. 2s.--The ad-
ministratinn plan for government aid
/ for the American merchant marine was
presented 70 Congress to-day by Presi-
dent Hardin% with the declaration that
/ the influence OF the United States in
world counsels ''is sure 10 be measured
| By that unfailing standard which is
found in a nations merchant marine. !"
The president detailed to the two
houses assembled in joint session the
wartime creation of Americas tom
nage--an experimental venture as he
described it---and then he added:
Having failed at such enormous
cost. bring you the proposal which
contemplstes the return to private ini-
tiative and private enterprise, added
to conservative success, wherein we
are safeguarded against the promotion
Of private greed, and do not discourage
the hope Of profitable investment,
which underlies all successful endeav
or"
The salient points of this proposal
embodied in bills introduced in each
House Immediately after the presi-
dents address follow:
Aid estimated at s32,000,0O0 annu
ally TO be provided for principally by
diversion of ten per cent of the ma
tion's customs receipts;
Requirement that not more than 80
per cent of the immigrants TO the Unit
ed States be transported in foreign
ships;
Sale of the tonnage now held by the
shipping board and use of the funds as
a construction loan fund;
Authorization for induction of
American merchant men officers and
sailors into the naval reserve with the
attendant allowance in pay.
The president then detailed mum
ber of indirect aids, mentioning in this
Amendment of the interstate com.
merce act 20 permit railway systems
to own and operate steamship lines en- |
gagged in other than coastwise trade;
Making effective this section OF the 1
marine act providing for
rail and steamship rates
on through shipments on American
vessels;
Insurance available at no greater
,ost than is afforded ships under for
sign flags.
Mr.. Harding emphasized the impor
.ance of a national merchant marine
in view of suspended naval construc-
ion,v declaring that without it, ''no
nation may hope to hold Nhigh place
n the world of commerce OF be assured
II an adequate defense"
"The merchant marine is universally
recognized az the second line of naval
he added. "It is indispensable
n the time Of great national emer-
,ency."
Discontinuance so far as practicable
4 the separate transport services in
he army and navy also was recon-
nended by the executive who in this
said the merchant and pas
enger ships under the American flag
hould be made agents of service in
eace as well as war" III
Mr.. Harding in recommending the ,
Ian for government aid said he fore
aw ~the stiffest possible competition |
y the fleets of the maritime nations ,
nd asserted that more than the as
istsnce OF the government would be
eccssary.
We need a favoring spirit. an awak- /,
ned American pride and an svowcd ,
-mericsn determination that we shall t,
ccome in the main. the carriers Of our
wn commerce. in spite Of an cnmpeti.
on and all discouragements." he con !
nued. 'There can be no dispute about J;
le end at which we are aiming"