The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-12
MIR. IASKER'S PLAN

AS Chairman LaSker detlreS rom the shipping board, he presents to the president a plan for operation of the merchant fleet that deserves consider ation. Too frequently an incoming executive is left without the benefit of the experience and advice of a re- tiring executive. Thus there is lost that continuity of policy which makes private business successful and the lack of which makes government ex- pensive. MT. Lasker suggests that the eighteen consolidated routes be placed each under control of sub- sidiary corporation for the duration of the period of government operation. This new arrangemnt would be entered with recognition of the principle that private ownership and operation are the ultimate practicable disposition of the entire merchant marine prob- lem.
 As is pointed out in the plan, under the present system of operatives, good will, one of the most valuable of business assets, goes to the credit of the operatives and not to the gov ernment. As business policy, it is suggested that the government oper- ate the lines in name as well as in fact, so that it may build up the asset of good will along with permanent business for American ships. As long as the government bears the expense and responsibility, the government may as we'll enjoy the property emolu- ments. Says Mir. Lasker: 'The sub sidiary corporations will control the good will and termial facilities of their respective routes, and will thus possess assets of steadily increasing value, the property of the govern ment."
 It is gratifying to note that ex- perience has demonstrated the feas- ibility of more economical opera tion of vessels, partly through the in- stallation of more modern machinery and equipment, and partly through more effective type of management. Many of the ships, through the very nature of their construction or equip ment, have operated at greater ex- pense than otherwise necessary. MT Lasker believes that the cost of opera tion can be reduced to a point where with early completion of this pro- gram supremacy in the economic phy- sical operation of ocean freight car riers may as well pass from foreign fleets to our own merchant marine, for we would then possess such su- periority that our carrying trade would be firmly established before our example could be followed by others" The prospect of economical operation is gratifying to the American people, not merely because of the cash saw ing involved, but more especially be- cause such an efficient result would make the. fleet more attractive to buy CTS and would hasten the end of gov ernment necessity for operation.
 Of course, the shipping board may lot accept MT. Laskers plan In de- tail, or it may we'll improve on it, but the plan is constructive and keeps in mind the salient facts and purposes of federal administration of the fleet. The retiring chairman leaves behind him a record of faithful and pains taking endeavor in the public behalf. He has had the good fortune to work harmoniously with his colleagues, and it is a matter worthy of note that in all important decisions the shlpplng board during his term has stood be- fore the country as unit. Such CO., operative support cannot have failed to contribute materially to the success of the merchant marine and to the working out of it's problems.