New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-07-24
Many Maritime
Nations Plan
Aid for Ships
Restrictive Laws TO Foster
MerchaniMarine in Europe
and South America; Coast
wise Monopoly Common
British Talk Retaliation
Higher Port Dues Method
Advanced; Treaty With
u. s. Not Considered

Government aid for merchant snip
ping IS an expedient that is being
adopted by the various maritime ma
,ions 70 a greater degree since the
var taan before. One Of the results
OF the conflict has been an intense de-
sire on the part OF different national
tiles % secure and maintain their
strength on the seas. The on'y marine
power which has not yet formulated a
definite program is Great Britain. in
recent months the shipping press Of
England has urged action by The gov
srnmont 70 counteract the restrictive
lows Of their competitors or 70 apply
,omo form Of retaliation.
A study Of the assis.oaes granted
- ur.er consideration in the different
countries shows that the most drastic
steps are under way in those nations
which are relatively backward in ship
ping. while those which have successful
merchant fleets are content TO let mat
tiers remain as az present
Comprehensive L. S. Policy
The most comprehensive policy is
that now pending In the United states
where a direct subsidy ranging from
$4,000 900 % S5O000,000 a year is pro-
posed. other important features OF
this bin are tho sections 20 restrict
one-half Of immigration 20 American
ships. 20 create g revolving fund Of
SIPS 900 600 90 be loaned for new ship
construction. 90 limit the privilege OF
preferential export and import rail
rates % goods shipped on American
boats and % provide certain tax eXemp-
lions. This is designed 90 Offset the
higher cost OF construction. Of wages
and Of subsistence. due chiefly 20 the
higher standard Of living in this coun-
try.
In japan substantial subsidies al
ready are granted 90 steamship com
panics Additional assistance amount
Ing 90 $4,000 900 90 shipbuilding over
five years IS now under consideration.
This rs the sum which the nation cal
culatcs 1t will save under the agree
mfnt for the limitation OF ornaments
reached in Washington. The purpose
Is 90 build fast passenger and mail
vessels 90 compete with American SHIPS
IN ne pbs.1c.
Germany has compensated 10 steam
shin companies Tor the vessels which
they lost under the Treaty Of Yer
saiiles. Other forms Of aid arc con-
sldcred unnecessary 40 present, due
l.l.cly 90 tho advantage the country
las m its low rate Of exchange, which
nakes 10 possible 20 ec'nFete on e.
favorable basis with other merchant
facts.
Italy has not only granted large sub
Sides 20 its shipbuilders and owners
but has also put into effect q law re-
stricting immigration 20 italian flag
vessels.
Norway Planning Aid
Loans Of several million dollars are
contemplated in Norway TO assist its
builders and owners through the ex-
listing 1cnreseiou.
Coastwise shipping is now restricted
by tae following countries 20 ships
under their own flags: France Portu-
gal. Costa Rica. Peru. Colombia, Chile
and the United States.
Portugal has recently directed that
foreign ships must pay port dues in
gold. while Portuguese vessels may pay
them IN the deprecated exchange Of
the country.
The effect OF these various restric-
iions is felt most heavily by the Brit
ish feet, which carries large proper
ton not only OF its own commerce but
also OF the traffic between other ma
tions. The steamship companies Of
Great Britain are not casting around
for effective means Of retaliation for
application particularly II the United
States Cnacts the pending subsidy bill
The method suggested most generally
ir rfe marine press is the revival Of
the customs consolidation act OF 1858
which gives the government authority
90 impose preferential port dues
Under the plan nut forward hy The
Liverpool journal OF Commerce" an,
other publications this would take th'
form Of higher charges against Amcri
can vessels in English ports
British editors apparently have over
looked The provisions OF the treaty O
1923 with the United States, whicl
binds each country not 90 discriminate
against the ships Of the other in thl
matter Of duties, port charges an,
other impositions on merchant vessels