New-York tribune., 1922-08-18
Passenger Lines
70 Reclassify
Sd Class Ships
Older asad Smaller Nessels
Will Be Permitted Lower
Minimum Rates; Owners
Object to Present Status
No Cut i'm Fares Intended
Steamship Concerns Say Re-
ducsion lis Not Justified
by Earnings This Season

Following the reeiassifcation of
passenger vessels for 6rst and second
cabin business, which is now being
completed, the steamship lines expect
next month to take up similar changes
in the rating of ships for third class
traffic. Inquiry among officials Of sew
eral lines yesterday showed that there
was wide dissatisfaction with the
present status, especially among the
companies operating older and smaller
boats in competition with some of the
new liners put on the Atlantic this
season.
Under the rules of the Atlantic Pas
senger Conference, of which all the
transatlantic lines are members, min
inum rates are fixed for the various
steamers in accordance with their age,
speed and size. The last general cIas-
sificarion was made nearly two years
ago. Since that time large number
of new ard modern vessels have been
added to the. list. The result is that
many veterans of the seas are forced
to compete for traffic at the same rates
with liners OF greatly superior accom-
modations.
The classification committee of the
conference several weeks ago recon-
mended new ratings for the ships on
first and second cabin traffic. This
was the consequence of dispute over
the grades accorded to the London
hoats of the United States Lines.
Members of the conference are re-
Quired to submit their votes on the
new plan in London by August 81 and
the changes are to become effective on
November /.
r. H. Farley, passenger traffic man
ager for the international Mercan-
tile Marine Company, said yesterday
that while he had not learned how
the companies were responding he was
confident the changes would be ap-
proved E. <. McNary. passenger man
ager for the United States Lines, ex-
PRESSED the same opinion. Mr.. Farley
said that the third class question
would be taken up shortly.
The greatest problem in the steerage
and third-class traffic has arisen in
the Mediterranean services Since the
enactment of the per cent limit or
immigration, the heaviest business has
been between this country and Italy
One shipping official yesterday cited
the instance of the Conte Rosso, the
new and palatial liner, under the real
ian flag, which recently arrived with
1900 third-class travellers and de-
parted with 1900. It was said that
under the existing classification, this
liner was allowed to offer passengers
its accommodations at approximately
the same rates which less desirable
vessels are compelled to quote.
Three grades are provided for thS
third-class accommodations on trans
Atlantic liners, with differentials o.
$3.50 each on one-way trips on the
North Atlantic and SIS on the Medi
rerrean. 1t is said that the small diff
ference does not compensate, for in
stance, between the Majectic, Olympic
Berengaria and others in one class, ant
such vessels as the President Fillmore
America and smaller ships.
Rumors that 20 per cent reduction
in trans Atlantic fares would be mad,
this fall were denied by passenger of
feials yesterday It was declared tina
aside from the 10 per cent cut usual!
made during the winter season, tn,
basic rates would remain unchanged
Earnings of the companies do no
Justify decline at this time, severa
officials said.