The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1922-02-28
HARDING ASKS
|, AID BE GIVEN
TO U. S. MARINE
Details to Congress Proposals
to Put American Ships on
the High Seas
U. S. OWNERSHIP FAILS
Wartime Experiment Proves
Failure, Asks U. S. Shipping
Board Ships Sold
IU. S. OWNERSHIP FAILS

Washington, Feb 2S.-The admin
istration plan for government aid for
American merchant marine was pre-
sented to Congress today by Presi-
dent Harding with declaration that
influences of the United States in
world councils is "sure to be meas
ured by that unfailing standard which
is found in nations merchant ma
rine."
The President detailed to the two
houses assembled in joint session the
| wartime creation Of Americas great
est tonnage-an experimental ven
ture as he describes it-and then he
added:
Having failed at such enormous
cost l bring you the proposal which
contemplates the return to private
initiative and private enterprise, added
to conservative success, wherein
we are safe-guarded against the pro-
motion Of private greed, and do not
discourage the hope of profitable in
vestment which underlies all success.
ful endeavor."
Bills Introduced
The salient points of this proposal
embodied in bills introduced in each
house Immediately after the Presidents
address was concluded follow.
Aid estimate at $32,0OO,OOO annually
to be provided for principally by di-
version of 10 per cent OF the nations
customs receipts.
Requirements that no more than
80 per cent of the immigrants of the
United States be transported in for
eign 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 merchantmen officers and
sailors into the naval reserve with an
attendant allowance in pay.
Asks Indirect Aid
The President then detailed num-b
Der Of indirect aids mentioning in this
connection:
Amendment Of the Interstate Com
,merces Act to permit ra,i ilwaN- ,systhms
to own and operate steamship lines
engaged in other than coastwise trade;
making effective the section of the
merchant marine act providing for
preferential rail and steamship rates
on through shipments on American
vessels.
Insurance available at no greater
cost than is afforded ships under
foreign flags.
Holds It Naval Aid
Mr. Harding emphasized the import.
ance Of national marine in view Of
suspended naval construction declar-
ing that without it mo nation may
hope to hold high place in the world
Of commerce or be assured Of ade-
4uate Defense"
"The merchant marine is univer-
sally recognized as the second line
of naval Defense" he added. 1T is
indispensable in the time of great
national emergency"
Digcontinuanca insofar as is prac-
ticable Of the separate transport SER
vices in the Army and Navy was rec
commended by the executive who said
the merchant and passenger ships un-
der the American flag should be made
agents of service in peace as well as
in war"
Need Awakened Pride
Mr.. Harding in recommending the
plan for government aid said he fore.
saw "the stiffest possible competi-
tion by the fleets of maritime nations"
and asserted that more than the aid Of
the government would be, necessary.
We need a favoring spirit, an
awakened American pride and an
avowed American determination that
we, shall become in the main the car
rlers of our own commerce in spite Of
all commerce and discourag gaments,"
he said. There can be no dispute
about the end at which we are aim
ing"