The Washington herald., 1922-12-01
,tandpoin of its passage by the San

S~eopon VI hls poSSoee " s->~
ate.
Senator Jones viii have, the
"most hearty cooperation and sup
port" Of Senator Joseph Z. Rams
dell, Democrat, of Louisiana. both
in getting the bill out Of COMMITTEES
and in pressing II to passage Ia
the Senate, the Louisiana Senatoi
stated to Universal Service yester
day. He said:
DEFENSE BY RANSDELL.
"I think the bill ought to be
reported out Monday, IL II Is
possible. We ought then to take
Il up In the Senate without q
days delay. We have had enough
OF talk on this vital problem
Action now is demanded.
"I am confident the people OF
the country are looking to US 70
do something constructive toward
solving the merchant marine prob
lem. We have a remarkably
valuable asset. which cost the
people $4,000, 900, 900. We have got
to realize on this asset or sacrtfice
Il.
"The opposition has offered no
concrete substitute. All that IT
has even suggested is a cononua-
ton of the existing system, un-
der which the Governments fleet
the nucleus for an adequate
merchant marine - Is going 10
pieces and costing the people
5O,OOO,OO0 a year at the same
time.
'If the Democratic party kills
this bill without offering some
thing better in its place, 1t is
roing 10 be held strictly account
able by the American people IN
the next election" =
Discussing the changes made In
the bill by the House, Senator RAMS
deI said its efficacy remains unim
paired. He continued:
BILL NOW GOOD.
"I think in the main 1t will
prove a mighty good bill as IL
stands. OF course. it may not be
perfect. Legislation at 1irst is
never perfect. But II Is entirely
adequate as the basis upon wnicn
we can build up a legislative struc-
ture upon which our merchant
marine can stand four-square with
the rival mercantile fleets Oh the
world.
"The House bill carries the idea
of direct Government aid to equal
ize the differences against Ameri-
can vessels In the cost OF opera
tion as compared with foreign
ships. With that foundation the
rest would be secure. III any 1ur-
ther legislation should prove 10 De
necessary the success which tnis
bill is certain TO attain VIII make
It a much more simple matter 10
enact the next bill.
OTHER DEMOCRATIC VOTES.
Standing with Senator Ransdell
in his support of the bill is his col.
league. Senator Edwin 5. BrousSaru
of Louisiana. Besides these two GER
tain Democratic votes for the meas
ure, friends of the legislation are
hopeful Of three more. Senator Un-
derwood of Alabama. the minority
leader, has openly expressed MIN
self as maintaining an open mind.
Senators Walsh of Massachusetts
and Pomerene of Ohio. likewise are
declared to be making study of the
problem before determining their at
titude. II is known definitely thai
they have not committed themselves
against il.
Senator Underwood stated on the
floor of the Senate, in response 10
a question from the Republican side
that he had not made up his mind to
oppose the bill. He assured the
Senate that there will be no filibust
er on the Democratic side, 50 far as
he, as leader. controls the action oi
the minority.
While the Alabama Senator did
not commit himself. leaders of the
fight for the cause of the merchant
marine are hopeful of having him
lined up on their side of the oppo'
sition. as now indicated. is unable
to offer anything better than the
subsidy plan now pending. He has
always stood. both in the House and
in the Senate, for all legislation
that he regarded as helpful to the
merchant marine.
MAY ASK CHANGES.
1t is understood the group OF
Democratic Senators, who feel in
ciined 70 support the legislation II
they determine il is for the best
interests OF the country, will propose
certain amendments designed To
make il acceptable to them. They
may announce this attitude at a
Democratic caucus or in a formal
statement for publication.
Friends of the bill will go as far
as possible in accepting any safe
guarding amendments offered in
good faith. provided. of course, they
are not regarded as damaging tC
the main principles Of the bill.
leaders that the muddle which has
No fear was voiced by Senate
developed from the Democratic fill
buster over the Dyer anti-lynchins
hill will Interfere with consldera
tion Of the shipping measure. The
Republicans doubtless will desist in
their efforts to force action on the
Dyer bill after another day or two
opposition.