The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-01
DEFEND THE WARRIOR

Advance indications point to the de- feat of the effort to block separation of the management of the Warrior from that of the Mississippi with headquarters at New Orleans. It is interesting to note the forces behind this obstructive effort so inimical to the best public service of the Warrior barge lines and the seaport of Alabama at Mobile, on the modern equipment of which the peo- pie are now spending ten million dollars First there are exporting interests in Birmingham, whose identity for the mo- ment is being kept secret, who are con- sulting their private advantage and not the public advantage in this matter. It is unfortunate that there should be this shortness of vision among those whose prosperity is gleaned from the oppor- tunity Alabama affords them.
 As is to be expected, there is opposi- tion from New Orleans, not only on the part of Manager Brent, who is seeking to prevent the curtailment of his au- thority, but also on the part of others whose personal or business interests are furthered By the present policy which diverts to New Orleans tonnage that log ically belongs to Mobile. Undoubtedly Senator Mcclellan of Tennessee, in join ing this opposition, has been misled by spacious arguments which would not bear examination. In contrast with this attitude, it is significant to note that Alabama's delegation in congress, more conversant with the situation, are heartily in favor of f.the separate management. There is hope throughout Alabama that the congressional delegation will vigo- rousiy defend the new policy and will urge in every diligent manner that it be put through without delay.
 The people of Alabama are deeply ap- preciative of the refusal of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis to join in the obstructive effort. The people of Ala bama are gratified by the St. Louis chambers endorsement of the proposed separation, for that endorsement reveals a vision of commercial values that cOin- cides with that throughout Alabama with respect to the Warriors proper admin istration and with regard to the pull of the states seaport at Mobile. With the waterways both made subordinate to the commercial enlargement of New Orleans, St. Louis, with it's alternate outlet through the port of Mobile, suffers a loss similar to that experienced by Ala bama. With the Warrior detached from such commercial servitude and properly contributive to the tonnage of Mobile, St. Louis enjoys with exporting points in Alabama a common advantage of outlet to the Panama Canal, the West Indies and Central and South America by the shortest and most direct route. The growth of the two ports on a basis of equal opportunity insures the stability of transportation and terminal rates and those additional attractions to commerce that always arise out of healthy compe- tition.
 It is regretted in Alabama that selfish interests whose welfare is dependent upon the general welfare in Alabama should for covert reasons secretly seek to obstruct program that has been de- vised in full light of all the facts and with the express purpose of best serving the trade territory in part dependent upon the waterway and wholly depend ent for commercial independence upon the proper functiOning of the seaport at Mobile. Colonel Ashburn expresses con- fidence that the proposed separation will be accomplished, view which is strengthened in the public mind by the refusal of the war department to per- init postponement of the hearing until September. August is the date set, and it is hoped that there will be no further delay after that time. Delay is the great weapon of obstructionists, as has been demonstrated in connection with the Muscle Shoals struggle. Let the Warrior not in similar manner be permitted to be the football of selfishness.
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