Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1925-09-27
Row in Shipping Board May Be Settled
BY Turning Entire Job Over to Hoover

not expect to prove any serious obstacle in
their attempt to abolish the board They
argue that II there Is any question in the
mind of Congress as to what to do with the
semi-tudicial and regulatory functions Of the
has already semi-judical and regulatory
powers regarding navigation, would be the
most natural depository.
AS a matter Of fact there are those who are
ambitious to see the dreams and aspirations
of this Nation for real merchant marine
come true. who would turn everything over
TO the Department Of Commerce. Not only the
semi-judicial and regulatory functions but the
operation Of the aforementioned ships
themselves. Tho advocates OF this step would
have Congress create a new division of the
Department Of Commerce and place at it's head
secretary for merchant marine. However,
these advocates would not place the task Of
iquidating the present huge and costly fleet
under such Official. They point out that
the liquidation Of this inheritance of the World
War. which has cost SO many hundreds Of
millions of dollars. is a temporary task that it
requires the skill and experience of real spe
cialist. For that matter. the Emergency Fleet
Corporation could be kept alive for the sole
difficult job is completed. it could go out of
existence-fade out Of the picture. 1t were
Hoover to Have Voice.
1t is natural to suppose that Herbert Hoover,
Secretary Of Commerce. Will have much to say
when the time comes to consider seriously the
complete adjustment Of the Shipping Board
by placing its natural and original functions,
along with the complete supervision and opera
ton OF the fleet itself. in his department.
Probably no official Of the Government is any
better equipped more peculiarly fitted to
take hold Of this great National problem than
Secretary Hoover. It is claimed by those who
are seeking what they describe the saliva
ton Of the American merchant marine. They
argue further that with Hoover at the helm
the President would be relieved of a great
worry and his administration would be
rid Of one Of It's few real sore spots Besides
all this. they have confident belief that Sec
rotary Hoover would handle this most difficult
administrative task to the satisfaction of all
concerned-that II he could not put across a
real American merchant marine no one could.
But there IL Mr.. Hoover to be considered.
Already he has a real mansized job head
Of one OF the Governments most rapidly grow
ing departments. Moreover, he is busy with
no end Of other important governmental activi-
ties, and 1t would not be unhuman II he held
up his hands at the suggestion to add to his
burdens But Secretary Hoover Is not much
given to throwing up his hands. not even in
the face of great odds. He Is known to have
more than an ordinary interest in the building
up of a merchant marine as we'll strong
longing to see the confusion which
velopes the Shipping Board and the Emergency
Fleet removed and to stop the tremendous
nual waste Of public money in the struggle to
operate a fleet
II the task Is eventually turned over to the
Department Of Commerce, Secretary Hoover