New-York tribune., 1922-10-21
Big American Lines Plan
Shift to Foreign Reg.
istr'y If Courts Discrirn-
mate Against Them.
Expect Lasker Will
Give His Consent
Fate of Subsidy Bill
in Congress viii Play
Big Part in Decision

Leading American steamship line,
have taken under consideration plans
for transferring their passenger yes
sells to foreign registry in the even.
the courts hold that the prohibition
law applies to American but not to
alien vessels. No decisions have vet
been reached, pending action by the
courts and vote by Congress- on the
subsidy bill, but officials Of these COM
paniss admit that they may have to
face the alternative oS abandoning
operation or putting their tonnage
under foreign flags. They do not in
tend to be caught unprepared lie that
time comes.
Two companies which would be most
affected by an adverse ruling on +he
prohibition law are the American Line
Of the International Mercantile Marine
Company and the United American
Lines, both operating fast trans-At-
lantic passenger vessels. Their actions
with regard to future operation under
United States registry are involved not
only in the liquor question but also in
government aid to remove other oper-
ating handicaps.
Heads Rf Lines Waiting
P. A. s. Franklin, president Of che
International Mercantile Marine, and
R. H. M. Robinson, president OF the
United American, were asked yesterday
about the report on the transfer Of
registry.
"We have reached no decison YETI
said Mr.. Franklin. "We will not de-
eide until the courts have settled the
prohibition issue. The fate Of the sub
sidy bill naturally has some bearing
upon what we shall do with our Amer
ican-fag vessels. In any event, we
shall not act hastily"
we have arrived at no decision,"
WAS the reply also made by Mr.. Robin
son. "Until we have done SO we would
rather not discuss it,"
w. A. Hartman, chairman Of the
board Of the United American Lines, Is
now on his way to Europe on busi-
ness trip that Is expected TO last sew
eral weeks. 1t was said at the Offices
of tha company that hts svi Was q
routine tour OF Inspection, and that no
plans Of particular .inape se ethe
line were contenlp lated. y, i5sss q b IS
American vessels canaot be trans
ferred to foreign registry without the
consent of the Shipping Board, but Of
ficials Of private lines believe the rule
Of reason will be adopted. They are con-
fident that IL the courts hold In favor
of alien and against American com
ranies, and if Congress tops this by
defeating the subsidy bill, the board
would not refuse to grant the neces-
sary permission.
May Have No Ships Left
Ut Is very grave issue," said Win.
throp L. Marvin, vice-president. and
general manager Of The American
Steamship Owners Association. "Our
shipping is no better off now than 1t
was before the war, and il these dis
advantages are increased or even re-
main as at present we shall soon have.
no transatlantic ships under the
American flag" s
The United States Lines, operating
government vessels, will not be affect
ed Immediately by the liquor situation
or by the subsidy action, but the sale
or the service, IS contemplated by the
board, will be made more difficult in
the future by adverse Developments.
This company now has such ships as
the George Washington, the America.
Q number Of smaller passenger liners
built during the war and probably will
get the Leviathan next spring. The
United American Line has the new 20.-
O00-ton ships Resolute and Reliance.
purchased last winter from the Ro al
Holland Lloyd. The American line
Of the |. M. M, has the Manchuria. the
Mongolia, the Minnekahda. tha Kroon-
land and the Finland,