New-York tribune., 1922-11-22
) Groups Unite
I'm Congress to
knife Shipping. 9.
Farm Bloc, Democrats and
Radicals Out i'm Open
Against President; Have
No Alternative 30 Subsidy
Self-Interest Seems Aim
First Group Wants Cash for
Itself, I'd u. S. Control,
Last Political Weapon
BY David S. Kennedy

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.--Leaders of
the farm bloc and the so-caIled pro-
gressive group to-day outlined the pur-
pose Of their campaign against the
Administrations merchant marine pro-
gram. Spokesman for the farmers dc.
clafed frankly that their purpose was
TO end any expenditure by the govern
ment for shipping, as non-essential
/ industry. The progressives, at least
that branch represented by Senator
LaFoilettc, came out openly for gov
ernn1ent ownership and operation.
The message of President Harding
which was generally regarded as mn
able presentation of the case for an
American merchant marine under pri-
vate control, served to clear the issue,
inc agricultural members and their
allies in the progressive group united
In asserting that they would attempt
to kill the subsidy bill. Their reasons
for this action indicated that if they
succeed in their purpose they would
split wide apart on the policies to be
| adopted afterward.
The issue, as raised by the subsidy
/ Dill, IS now becoming defined. The
Democratic party is lining up against
, 1t in the belief that it is within gtrik-
/ ing distance of the Presidency and
control Of Congress in 1924 The farm
! bloc Is organizing in opposition for
th frank reason that it wants all the
government aid possible for agricul-
ture and that expenditures for ship
ping would impair the ability of the
Treasury to stand drafts in behalf Of
the farmers. The progressive group
is assaiiing the measure on the gem
eral assertion that it is aid to q spe-
cial interest, ard that government
ownership and operation is on the
cards as q winning policy for the
future.
With the question now outlined in
bold relief, the advocates of the marine
bill are gaining hope for the reason
that they have definite and vulnerable
points against which they can direct
their attacks. They feel that they have
efficient weapons when they uphold
private enterprise, and The naval de-
ferSe against policy 81 destruction
on one side and of government owner
ship on the other.
Senator Capper, Of Kansas. accepted
spokesman for the farm bloc, frankly
aid to-day that the farmers do not see
any special need for American ship
ping and that there should be no aid
from the Treasury to prevent its dis
appearance.
In voting against the subsidy plan,
DO you have any alternative to offer?"
he was asked.
II believe the government should
get out of the shipping business" he
replied. Let the Shipping Board sell
its vessels anywhere it can find mar.
ket. We might have to take loss Of
millions or even billions, but it will
stop the drain on the Treasury.
American shipping is not as essen
tIalr for instance, as agriculture. II
the Treasury has any money to spend,
we 9hould give greater assistance to
the farmers. They are better off now
than they were year ago, but they
are still having a hard time
Are the farmers willing to give as
much aid to shipping as they have
received under the tariff" was another
question put to the Senator.
"The tariff law puts a duty of so
cents bushel on wheat" he said,
hesitatingly, "but many farmers do
not believe that has helped them much.
They are not very strong for protec-
tion as policy out that way. They
believe especially that subsidy to
shipping would set bad precedent.
We have much the same problem in
shipping that we had with the rail
roads. We settled the railroad issue
by turning the roads back 10 their
owners, I supported the Esch- Cum
Minis bill for shat reason. think we
should Go the same with the ships.
II believe we should help shipping
IN any legitimate way. For instance,