Evening Star Newspaper, November 19, 1922, Page 4

[ THE SUNDAY STAR ¢ , WASHINGTON, D. C. NOVEMBER 19, 1923—I SURVEY OF AMERICAN PUBLIC SENTIMENT ON GOVERNMENT AID TO MERCHANT MARINE Editors of Leading Papers Give Estimates of Opinion for and Against Plan. Opposition in the Middle West Might Be Overcome by an Educational Campaign. With the convening of Congress to- morrow and the delivery of President Harding’s address on Tuesday, the question of whether or not American shipping shall be subsidized by the government in order to build up and maintain an American merchant marine will become, for the time being, the chief issue of national policy. This question was not put forward generally as a leading issue in the recent campaign for election of mem- bers of Congress and the American people have not in any formal way had opportunity to register for or agalnst it. One man’s guess has been good as another's as to whether the people were willing to be taxed to the end that America might trans- port her exports in her own ships, in- stead of in the ships of her trade competitoers - “pinion. 1t as pos- the sub- following of leading © the country : us whether, in majority senti- territory is for or .nip subsidy? est was not for the per- sonal opinions of the editors, but for their estimate of the opinions of the people in the territories in which their papers circulated, and the re- plies constitute a rather notable demonstration of the fair-mindedness of the American press and willingness to have published the facts regardless of personal convictions. A very few of the responses show a coloring of editorial policy or partisan bias, but in an overwhelming number of them is evidenced only the desire to reflect public opinfon as it is believed to exist. Becomes a Local Isnue. A rcading of the replies - rather leads to the conclusion that ship sub- sidy, as Gen. Hancock said about the tariff, is destined to be more or less a local issue. Where there Is pros- pect of Immediate and direct benefit sentiment generally is reported to be favorable to subsidy, though there are exceptions to this rule. Where the prospect of benefit is not imme- diate and direct there is hostility or indifference. In some sections where indifterence or opposition exists it is suggested that a*campaign of educa- tion. showing benefits, might bring abdsut a change in sentiment. How much local benefits may be accepted ~8 coloring public opinion is shown by the suggestion from two middle ‘western states that assurance that the 8t. Lawrence deep waterway project would be carried out, making ocean ports of great lakes cities, would swing communities now hostile to ship subsidy into line with its advo- cates. Grouping of the Replies. ‘The grouping of the replies, which are printed below, has been along lines of direct or remote interest in ocean shipping. rather than along the lines of accepted geographical divi- sion. The Atlantic. gulf and Pacific states, being on the seaboard, would he expected generally to favor a pol- icy looking to the building up of a merchant marine, though the replies. do not Indicate that this rule always holds. The states in the central group are inland from the sea, but generally on or in proximity to nav- igable waters and would share next to the seaboard states in the benefits of an increased water-borne com- merce. The mountain states are not on navigable waters, all their com- merce must be rail-borne before it reaches or after it leaves the sea, and the benefits to them of a subsidized merchant marine would be more in- direct and more remote. A favorable light on the hard com- mon sense of the American people is shown by the smaliness of the part partisan politics seems to play in de- termining public sentiment on this purely business proposition. Those who see benefits in it are for it, and, as one editor asserts, even those now opposed to it are nation-minded and wiiling to be shown. The responses to The Star's tele- grams of inquiry, constituting a na- tion-wide survey of public opinion on this vital question, follow: ATLANTIC STATES. Bosten Herald: New Englanders, particularly those .on the seacoast, want & subsidy, and have never been able to understand how we could get our ships on the sea in competition with nations which are paying subsi- dies, perhaps under more or less dis- guise, unless we were to do the same thing. And because we value the ocean and our harbor and all that these might mean to us and want an American me chant marine,’ we want to resort to the device which other nations have to get their ships on_the sea. The situation_is further compli- cated by the La Follette seamen's act, which raises the cost of operation of American ships. New England peo- ple recognize the difficulty of get- ting such legislation through in this short session of Congress and we are considerably discouraged over the outlook. We still insist that as s plece of & comprchensive system of protection. it {s entirely justified. Hartford (Conn.) Courant: From what I gather in this territory, the sentiment 18 in favor of ship subsidy £o0 as to put our vessels on a common footing with those of other nations. Portland (Me.) Evening Express: Maine is a seaboard and a shipbuild- ing state and sentiment here is al most unanimous in favor of some form of a ship subsidv. Maine repre- sentatives in Congress have for years such a policy, and in doing ug o | favored | they have reflected the opinion | their constituents. Burlington (Vt.) Frec Press: Ship su « republican principle and sidy has the especial indorsement of Presi- |dent Harding. Vermont is a strong republican state and adheres to re- publican pollcy. It has shown no { disposition at any time, including the | recent clections,” to repudlate party principle or Harding policy. Senti- |ment in this territory ,undoubtedly favors a ship subsidy law, a majority {of the electorate believing in its | benefits as set forth by the executive. New York Evening Post: There is undoubtedly a_considerable body of sentiment in New York in favor of | ship subsidy because of the shipping !interests identified with New York as | the greatest port in the world. It is | probably equally true, however, that | the best financial and business feel- ing is against subsidy proposals and | that a popular vote in this state as a | whole would be adverse to the sub- ! sildy.—C. U. Puckette. | New York Sun: Anwering your | telegram in which you ask if, in my judgment, the sentiment of the people "in this territory is for or against hip subsidy, I must say I do_not know. The population of New York | I and neighboring cities Is so vast and 80 discordant racially that there is no way of gauging majority opinion on such a question as you propound. The presumption is ~that seaport towns, great commerce towns, would naturally favor any measure that makes for increased shipping and the upbuilding of an American merchant marine, but the vast interior stretches of the country do not fall under the same sentim@ent. While not able to answer the question you asked, I will venture the statement that the coun- try as a whole is not so keen about an American merchant marine as to dig deep into its pocket to pay for what the operation of a merchant marine would involve.—Frank A. Munsey. New York Tribune: The majority sentiment in this part of the country is, in my judgment, favorable to ship subsidy. It is widely understood that an American merchant marine is es- sential to the safety and prosperity | of the United States, as without it we can have neither adequate foreign trade in time of peace nor a naval auxiliary and transport in time of war. Ship subsidy stands as the only bar to our being deprived of these vital national necessities.— Ogden Reid. New York Worlds Neither the demo- cratic nor republican state platforms in the recent campalgn made refer- ence to the proposed ship subsidy. No imention of the subsidy was made in | the speeches of Nathan L. Miller, de- | feated republican candidate, for re- election to the governorship, or Al Smith, the successful democratic can- tdidate. Politicians declare almost no interest in the question was shown during the campaign. All the New York democratic newspapers are op- | posing the proposed subsldy, and as the democrats carried the election by 400.000 plurality, the presumption is that majority sentiment in the state opposes the subsidy. Albany (N. Y.) Times-Unfon: Al- bany and the eastern section of New York state are against the ship sub- eldy plan. Resentment against this, a8 well as other Harding proposals, is belleved to have been mainly re- sponsible for the turnover to Al. Smith in the gubernatorial contest. The de- mand here is for decrease in govern- ment expense, and forcing of passage of subsidy legislation by President Harding would undoubtedly gain the democrats thousands of votes in the Albany district in the next presiden- tial election. The proposed bill is un- popular equally with republicans and democrats. Trenton (N, J.) Times: There is little interest here in the ship sub- sidy bill. However, a canvass to- night showed merchants and manu- facturers interested in shipping to be in favor of the measure. It was in- dorsed by the board of directors of the Trentan Chamber of Commerce in sesslon here this week. No other or- ganization has considered it. Philadelphia Bulletin: Philadelphia, building new docks and wharves and proud of the shipbuilding facilities of the Delaware, is intensely inter- ested in the upbuilding of the Amer- ican merchant marine, and the Bul- Jetin_belisves that the only way in which the American cargo carriers can oontinue in profitable competi- tion with foreign shipping is by the grant of such subsidy or subvention as shall be required to equalize the cost of cheaper fereign labor and lower standards of foreign ship op- eration with the costs of our own enterprise. The Bulletin believes the majority of Philadelphia citizens re- gards_the enactment of a policy for the adm‘unte protection of the Amer- ican shipping industry as a para- mount duty of Congress—Fred Ful- ler Shedd. Philadelphia Inquirer: As one of the chief ports of the United States and the largest center of ‘the shipbuilding Industry, Philadelphia is naturally in- terested in the passage of the ship subsidy bill. The chamber of com- merce and other bodies have de- clared in favor of it, and they un- doubtedly represent the general senti- ment among business men. The work- ers in our industries also realize the importance of an American merchant marine and understand that in no other way can its prosperity be as- sured. A popular vote upon the ques- Ition would show a majority for the bill. Little 18 heard here of any op- position to it. Philadelphia Records If the question were put to a vote and the republican organization favored the subsidy the majority for it in Philadelphia would be upwards of 200,000.—John P. Dwyer. Philadelphia North American: There is virtually no popular opinion here on the subject of ship subsidies. What opinfon exists is ex€lusively among industrial leaders, and is unanimously for a subsidy of some kind. Philadelphia Public Ledger: The Public Ledger has made no effort to ascertain the public’'s attitude on ship subsidy in this territory. A strong sentiment for the measure exists in shipping circles.—E. E. Irvine. Baltimore Sun: Owing to a lack of discussion of the ship subsidy issue in the recent election, it is impossi- ble to say what the majority senti- ment in Maryland is. Norfolk (Va.) Ledger-Dispatch: Sen- timent in Norfolk and the Hampton roads district and tidewater Virginia is overwhelmingly in favor of some form of preferential treatment for an American merchant marine which will free the country from depend- ence on foreign shipping. This senti- ment is not only due to the fact that we are on the shores of America’s greatest natural harbor, but is based on the firm conviction that the gov- I. the unpaid balances on to complete payment fo Loans up loans to run fifteen years at 2 Board. in new ship construction. American registry. to be carried in American vess: Payment of direct compen each gross ton each one hund vessels with speed under 12 kn, Funds for the payment of rived from tonnage duties and for transportation of mails, an ings of compensated shipping. operator. A section of the pending income tax of 5 per cent of shipping. A proposed committee al as an offset for the banishm ships. ernment should divest itself of the burden of operating steamship lines, which, we are informed, has proved nything but satisfactory. The word “subsidy” is not so popular, but the idea prevailing is that American products should be carried in Amer- ican bottoms, free from foreign influ- ences, as a measure in development of our world commerce.—Douglas Gordon. Raleigh (N. C.) News and Observer: There may be some people in North Carolina who favor the ship subsid: There doubtless are such, for fit rare that public sentiment is unani mous on any measure. However, after visiting most state, T_have failed to find a singl one publicly advocating taxing all the people and giving it as a subsidy to the ship owners. Our people are op- posed; on principle, to subsidies of any character or size. In addition t their fundamental hostility to th proposition, they would oppose any such appropriation of public fun with a deficiency of $600,000,000. one cent for subsidies” would expre their.views. We cannot buy s ot foreign trade by putting public money in a private pocket. Repeal of the Fordney McCumber tariff act will do more t secure foreign trade and consequent strengthening of our merchant ma- rine than the subsidy. It is un economical to build a high wall to prevent reasonable interchange of products and then pay some one t scale the wall. That is the policy expressed in the Fordney tariff and the ship subsldy bills.—Josephus Dan- fels. Charlotte (N. C.) Observer: has been no apparent interest of any kind in this part of the country in the ship subsidy now under consider- ation, although there is strong senti- ment for development and mainte- nance of an American merchant ma rine. The plan under consideration would probably arouse antagonism because of the possibilities it affords for profiteering on the part of the ship owners, who would become its beneficiaries. Government aid for a merchant marine that would carry the American flag into all the ports of the world under a plan that would close the door to possible graft and establish the marine on a basis of honest service would meet with the support of the south.—W. H. Harris. Charleston (S. C.) News and Cou- riers There has been little discussion 2mong the people hereabouts of the proposed ship subsidy. In Charleston the subsidy plan has a number of ad- vocates. There are those who favor it, belieding southern ports would benefit, especially Charleston. The question has not received much a tention generally in this territory, however, and anclent dislike of sub- sidies is strong.—Robert Lathan. Atlanta Journal: While some com- mercial interests of this region favor ship subsidy, public sentiment is, in the main. against it, and especlally against the system of subsidy pro- posed by the present Shipping Board. Savannah News: Majority senti- ment in Savannah is opposed to a ship subsidy, despite the fact that this is & port with shipping lines with home offices here. The opinion seems to be that the question of meeting foreign shipping competition must be attacked, not by subsidies, but by cutting_the expense of operation.— ‘W. R. Neal. * GULF STATES. New Orleans Times-PicRyune: As “gsecond port, U. 8. A.,” New Orleans is directly interested in and ardently favors development of an American merchant marine on a sound, prosper- ous and adequate footing. The ma- jority view here, as we sense it, is that some measure of federal aid is necessary to this end. Subsidy 4s considered the most practical method of extending this aid. Our people in general have made no careful study- of the pending subsidy bill and it would hardly be correct to say that majority sentiment at present favors that measure entire. However, the executive committee of the board of directors of the New Orleans Asso- ciation of Commerce specifically in- dorsed the bill in July last. Birmingham (Ala.) News: Alabama has just voted by a five to one .ma- Jjority a bond issue of $10,000,000 for state terminals and improvements of her seaport at Mobile. The people realize the value of an American merchant marine; that it is a utility in which all are interested, and which America may be required to aid in establishing upon a firm basis in or- der to compete with nations whose maritime development greatly exceeds ours. Alabama is rapidly becomjng a manufacturing state and foreign mar- kets are absorbing a large portion of manufactured goods produced in the| m district. Business and neral sentiment of informed people s that, if necessary to subsidize our merchant marine until it can hold its own without such aid, such rea- sonable assistance should. be fur- nished. San Antonio (Tex.) Express: There is comparatively little active interest in ship subsidy throughout this terri- tory, so far as concerns manifesta- tlon' by commercial chamber, resolu- tions and the. like, - Our-many busi- ness, .statistical and historical edito- rials supporting subsidy have mnot Proposals for the Upbuilding Of American Merchant Fleet OW interest rate, equal to government bond rate, upon to two-thirds of value on new construction, of the ship-building bounties of several foreign competitors. These loans to be made from a revolving fund of $125,- 000,000 to be set aside out of the funds of the Shipping traveling over certain officially sections of the| There | vessels sold, and fifteen years T same. per cent; this to take the place Exemption of certain taxes, provided the money is used Requirement that 50 per cent of emigration to the United States shall be carried in American vessels. All Army and Navy transport in merchant vessels of Government officials to travel and government supplies els. sation: One-half of 1 cent for red nautical miles traveled by ots an hour; higher compensa- tion for greater speed, with authorization for compensation up to 1 cent per ton per hundred nautical miles for vessels y designated routes. direct compensation to be de- dues, estimated at $4,000,000 a year; 10 per cent of all customs receipts; present payment d recoveries from excess earn- Compensation is limited to a 10 per cent profit to the When net earnings go above 10 per cent, one- half of the excess profits would be returned to the govern- ment and be covered into the compensation fund. bill, applying directly to ship- pers, takes the place of the preferential tariff provided for in the Jones bill, by giving the shipper a deduction from his any freight paid to American mendment would provide for direct payment to vessels for carrying United States mail ent of liquor from passenger | | i | elicited much critical correspondence. considering deep water projects at { However, it is quite likely that south- | west Texas, producing merchandising, legislation tending to encourage the merchant marine.—M. M. Harris. | that the sentiment in Texas s against |a ship subsidy, because this Is a opposed to such subsidies. entiment, 1f it could well be called that, is against ship subsidy. General men have recently expressed opinions adverse to subsidizing ships in the hem are some of the leading repub- icans in this part of the state. They rivate concerns. An adequate mer- chant rearine is sufficlent, in the be- be a waste—B. V. Rafferty. Calambus (Ohid) Dispatch: There n favor of the ship subsidy. It is ecidedly the most unpopular feature policies, so far as central Ohio is con- cerned. and opposition to it is almost mong democrats.—John Galbraith. Cincinnat! Timex-Star: Cannot tell |our territory is for or against ship subsidy. There is practically no pub- the other.—Hulbert Taft. leveland Plain Dealer: There is timent in_this section is on ship sub- sidy. 1 believe, however, that gen- been for some years an active grou | favoring subsidies centering herg, but | majority opinion. Great lakes ship- ping has always been able to get on [ whether the plan will get much sup- port in this district, though the war tude toward it.—E. C. Hopwood. Indinnapolis Star: The sentiment generally is in favor of the ship sub- sidy. However, for business and po- any public demonstration. Persons not particularly interested do not son that they do not understand th benefits which might accrue to a terS probably would influence this class to a decision. The word ‘“subsidy” it probably is from this group that the strongest protest comes. The against the ship subsidy.—Ernest C. McIlvain. been done up to this time to bring out in any very clear manner the tion. I should say, however, that at present, without any campaign of on either side of the issue, that the majority of sentiment is against the Chicago Tribune: This section of the country has been too long and too revulsion against this treatment is evident. If the administration hopes it must show some clearer advantage to the middle west than it has shown rence seaway would show us such advantages in the ship subsidy. If vote for the subsidy. Minor items ‘which would help to improve the sub- vision for maintenance of Great Lakes naval station, elimination of eastern interests toward other west- ern needs. Without such consider- here. Den Moines Register: There is no is decidely opposed to the proposed ship_subsidy. recent election had in their platforms a plank opposing_the ship subsidy, cessful candidate, was particularly emphatic in his denouncement of throughdut the state is almost unani- mous against the subsidy. Farmers why they should help pay for the de- velopment of commerce which will for the midwest's agricultural prod- ucts along the seaboasd. timent in this locality is strongly op- posed: to ship subsidy legislation. agdinst it. Tho farmer, heavily in debt, suffering from the effect of low to pay interest his indebtedness, unable to market his grain because of of taxation, is opposed to opening the Treasury .for subsidies to anybody. proposal {ll-timed in_view of the prospective Treasury deficit and de- Corpus Christl and Point Isabel. {and all shipping interests approve 1 Dallas (Tex.) News: We surmise democratic state and that party Is | Wheeling (W. Va.) News: Majority | apathy prevails here, but several big manner contemplated. Included among eel subsidizing ships is merely aid to | lief of many, and ship subsidy would has been no positive expression here { of President Harding's administration las general among republicans as you whether majority sentiment in | lic interest in the subject one way or no way of determining just what sen- eral opinion is against it. There has | T do not think its activities deflected without subsidles. It s doubtful has caused some change in the atti- among the business men of Indlana litical reasons, they are not making take the matter seriously, for the rea- ritory so far inland. Education alone strikes terror to many a person, and majority of sentiment, probably, is Indianapolis News: Nothing has sentiment on the ship subsidy ques- education ever having been conducted subsidy.—Curtis Hodges. flagrantly ignored in Washington. A to put through the ship subsidy bill to date. Construction of the St. Law- that is assured we can well afford to sidy’s chances in the west are pro- Pittsburgh plus and a square deal by ation the subsidy will not be popular doubt that public sentiment in Iowa for the United States Senate at the and Col. Smith W. Brookhart, the suc- the subsidy. Newspaper sentiment generally feel that there is no reason have a tendency to lessen the outlet Sioux City Jourmal: Majority sen- Farmers especially are almost solidly prices for his progucts, scarcely able car shortage, groaning under burds Peopla generally believe the subsidy sire for reduced taxation. Any mid- Both the candidates:® Appears to Be a Local Issue, \ .According to Prospects . of Direct Benefits. Partisan Politic s Minor Factor in Influencing People in Their Judgments dle western senator or representative | who votes for subsidy votes contrary | to the desires of his constiturncy.—A. | F. Allen. | Detroit News: There is no doubt of | the overwhelming sentiment in this part of the country against the ship subsidy bill as proposed, nor that the sentiment has been opposed to all| (ship subsidies heretofore proposed. If a bill were introduced forbidding | combinations of all kinds of Amer- fcan common carriers (railroads and ships) with those of any other n: tion, and making the American ships, in 'consideratiton of the subsid pledge themselves to meet any and all foreign freight rate offers, sentiment here might change. Since the buyer pays the freight and dictates the ship which is to carry the goods, it is apparent that no legisiation can force American ex- port shipments into American ships unless that legislation compels real competition in freight rates. Butleg- islation which merely hands some money from tie Treasury to certain people to pay them for keeping some ships flying the national colors, and which legislation does mot aim to give a real, lasting and unmistakable advantage to the American export trade, would be snowed under by a large majority in this territory.— George E. Milier. Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press: There is no crystallized sentiment out this way on ship subsidy in general. Our people look askance at all subsidies, and the rule applies on ship subsidy. It is my view that American citizens generaliv, with the exception of those 1iving near the seaboards. are apathetic about problems of Amer- ican shipping and are opposed to ship subsidy, because they see no close selfish interest and feel already bur- dened with taxes. A nation-wide campalgn of education might change the attitude and cause us to vote for a ship subsidy.—E. W. Booth. St. Paul Ploneer Preas: Outside a few in political circles little heed has been given the Harding plan for a ship subsidy, and those who have given the subject consideration are practically unanimous against the proposition. Newspapers here have given no editorial space to the topic, but editors personally express them selves as opposed. Minnesota sentt ment as exprseed in the past has not been favorable to subsidies. Minneapolis Journal: If ship subsi- dies would, beyond a doubt, result in the re-establishment of an American merchant marine, people of the mid- dle northwest are national-minded enough to acquiesce in the proposal. But a suspicion remains that the chief result would be merely to put public money in private pockets. There are other obstacles to overcome, such as restrictions of the La Follette law and inhibitions on our foreign trade caused by the new tariff and our ab- stention from foreign affairs. So far as sentiment here has crystallized on subsidies, it is unfavorable in the main. Duluth (Minn.) News-Tribune: Sen- timent for a ship subsidy is strongly marked in this region. Duluth and Superlor have shipyards and the peo- ple of these cities belleve that any encouragement of the proposal for giving the United States a great mer- chant marine will be helpful to ship- building interests all over the coun- try. Duluth, with its hopes for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence waterway, is probably second to no city in its earnest desire for ship subsidy legis- lation. Its people are confident that the solld voting strength of Minne- sota and Wisconsin will be cast for any measure that will be helpful t ward a merchant marine—John W Nagle. Louisville Courler-Journal: With- out doubt the sentiment of this terri- tory is strongly opposed to a ship subsidy.—C. E. Heberhart. St. Louis Globe-Democrat: We are unable to give you any accurate idea of sentiment in our territory on ship subsidy, as we have made no poll of congressmen, public offictals, political leaders, etc. The Globe-Democrat favors: it—J. J. McAuliffe. Kansas City Star: People in this part of the middle west have paid lit- tle attention to ship subsidy. It has not been a vital issue at this time. In view of the prevalent feeling agalnst taxes, majority opinion un- doubtedly would be against subsidy should it be proposed by the adminis- tration. Milwaukee Journal: There is no reason to doubt that Wisconsin is strongly against any ship subsidy. In the recent election no candidate advocated it, while both candidates for senator and practically all, if not all, candidates for the House de- nounced it strongly. Milwaukee Sentinel: While sentiment in Wisconsin probably is less antag- onistic to ship subsidy than it was ten years ago, & direct vote on the issue at this time would probably show an adverse majority. Com- mercial leaders are becoming less in- clined to oppose subsidy, largely due to St. Lawrence waterway hopes. ‘Waterway proponents realile the need of an eficlent merchant marine. Otherwise they feel the waterway will have lessened value when it is finally secured. The dominance of La Fol- lette and his avowed opposition to subsidy make it practically certain that a popilar vote would oppose aid to ships. E. A. BOURBEAU. Nebraska State Journal: < vailing sentiment in Nebrlsk’ihenum:g interpret it. is not friendly to ship subsidy.—Will Owen Jones. Omaka Daily News: In my opinion the sentiment of the peoplz o‘}‘ Ne- braska is agalnst ship subsidy by a large majority.—Joseph Polcar. Topeka State Journal: If there is any sentiment in this territory favor- ing & ship subsidy it is not apparent. I have falled to note any support for the measure in the press of the state, and, so far as I know, the subject ‘was not mentioned by speakers in the campaign just closed. It has been opposed steadily in the editorial col- umns of the State Journal without obtaining a response from anybody. ‘Wichita (Kan.) Eagle: Kansans a: opposed to the ship subsidy. In tl'l‘: eighth Kansas district, in which Wichita is situated, the ship subsidy issue was raised in the campaign which closed recently. W. A. Avers, democrat, denounced the subsidy in detail, featuring his opposition to it in his speeches. Congrassman Rich- ard Biard, republican, refused to dis- cuss the question. Ayres won. He is the only democratic congressman go- ing up from this strongly republican state. Kansas farmers argue that they need a subsidy worse than the ship owners need it and that their in- ?u-try l:. tr;:m-.‘ll‘;umru.m than any ransportation industry. T . or ustry—Charles B Fargo (N. D.) Ceurier-News: If a vote were taken in North Dakota to- day not 10,000 out of the maximum 260,000 would be cast for ship subsidy. Frasier, elected to the United States Senate, is pledged to oppose it. Is it because this jx an inland state? Not altogether. The railroad subsidy was a matter of bitter comment and helped McCumber's overthrow in June. With potatops worth 18 cents, freez ing in thousands of acres of ground because they are not worth digging: with wheat ‘in piles, rotten under the fall rains and snows, because there is no elevator room nor cars to haul it to market, the farmer wants his sub- R first—the stabilization of wheat prices—before he will listen to any other subsidy. The North Dakotan who votes in Congress for the ship ubsidy, with agriculture where it is, might just as well not come home. In the early days they lynched men for less.—John Andrews. Sfoux Falls (S. D.) Press: The ma. Jjority of the sentiment In South Da- kota is against the ship subsidy, and several farmers’ organizations have adopted resolutions urging their rep- resentatives in Congress to vote against it. The opposition has de- veloped chiefly from the fact that this is strictly agricultural country and both farmers and business men can- not see where the subsidy would be of any financial advantage to South Dakotans. Practically all the daily newspapers in the state have expre ed_editorial disapproval of the ship subsidy. Representative C. A. Christo- pherson, from the first South Dakota district,' in a newspaper interview to- day said that he would vote against the ship subsidy bill in its present form.—F. C. Chrostopherson. Knoxville (Tenn.) Journal and Tri- bunes The ship subsidy has not been generally discussed, but business m | Who are producers’ see the necessity of a merchant marine, a.d that the only way to establish it in competi- tion with subsidized competition is through a government subsidy. But the matter has not been discussed to an extent to warrant saying that is the majority sentiment—Willlam Rule. Oklahoma Daily Oklahoman: The majority of citizens of Oklahoma, re- gardless of party affiliation, have lit- te sympathy with the proposal to subsidize the American shipping in- dustry. Many express the opinion at the laws regarding the emp! ment of sailors should be modified so to enable American shipping to compete with foreign ships without taxing the American people for the payment of subsidles.—E. K. Gaylord. Little Rock (Ark.) Gnazette: Our opinion is that majority sentiment in Arkansas Is against ship subsidy. MOUNTAIN STATES. Denver Post: The people of this community realize that there has never been a time in the history of the country when a ship subsidy was more needed. They know that it is either & subsidy or take the flag off the seas entirely. They are opposed to subsidies as a general rule. but believe that, in_view of the great reduction in the Navy, a strong fleet of mer- chant vessels is necessary for the safety of the country. Bolse (Idaho) Statesman: The farmer is constitutionally antagonis- tic to those who carry his goods to market. In the intermountain coun- try boating is not a business and the people will not take seriously the complaints of the shippers. The Idaho farmers are against bonuses to ship- ping industries, and they feel that it is useless to spend millions to find out that we cannot, with our seamen’s law and high standards of labor, hope to compete with foreign shippers. They are disposed to help Europe pay her debts by letting her do our carr. ing. particularly since she can do it cheaper. Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune: Sen- timent in this locality is decidedly against the subsidy bill. Farmers can see no good reason why they should contribute tax money to lend at 2 per cent to ship-owning corporations on one-thirtieth margin of security when they pay 6 per cent on one-half mar- gin of security, nor can they see any reason why they should contribute to a bonus for rich ship owners when they are asking no bonus, though | producing at a loss. Business men share the same sentiment. Voters in this_section would resent passage of a ship subsidy bill _almost unani- mously.—William M. Bole. Albuquerque (N. M.) Journal: There is no local interest in ship subsidy. Conditions in New Mexico are un- usual. Our people are concerned chiefly with reclamation projects. PACIFIC STATES. San Francisco Bulletin: Sentiment in San Francisco and throughout California is overwhelmingly in favor of the ship subsidy. The necessity for maintaining the merchant marine as the right arm of, the Navy in time of emergency is recoznized every- where, and there is a vs the vital need of handling Ame: 1 commerce in American ships as a watter of na- tional welfare and development. Re- strictions placed upon American ship- ping by the laws now in force make assistance imperative if our flag is to be kept on the seas. Officially, civic groups and public organizations of all sorts in California have re- peatedly declared in favor of the ship subsidy.—R. A. Crothers. Los Angeles Times: Replying to your query, majority sentiment among shipping men and well informed business men of Los Angeles and the Pacific coast Is favorable to subsidiz- ing the merchant marine as a prac- ticable means to establish and main- tain it against foreign competition. Portland Oregonian: Majority opin- ion favors the ship subsidy bill, pro- vided benefits shall be fairly dis- tributed among_all shipping com- panies serving ali ports. not monopo- lized among a few existing companies serving a few ports. This requires amendment of bill taking arbitrary power frora Shipping Board and re- quiring public hearings on all ques- tions in place of present secret methods. The section permitting Tallroads to own ships in foreign trade is strongly opposed, as Port- land has had experience in that sys- tem. Oregon Journal: Prevailing opin- jon here is against ship subsidy. That the proposed bill is altogether too costly to the government is a common expression. Portland’s water- borne commerce i8 largely carried in foreign bottoms, but her experience with domestic craft gives rise to general complaint against the red fape involved.—Donald Sterling. Seattle Times: Sentiment in Seattle and the state of Washington favors the principle of ship subsidy. A spe- clal committee named by the Seattle Chamber of Commorce made an ex- haustive examination into the ship subsidy -question and the proposed legislation before Congress. It re- unanimously for the subsidy principle and its attitude was ac- cepted as the opinion of the chamber, Program of House on Shipping Bill Tuesday — Merchant marine committee meets to go over bill and consider committee amend- ments. Wednesday—Adoption of spe cial rule for immediate con- sideration of measure. Thursday, Friday and Satur- day—General debate. Monday, Tuesday and Wed- nesday—Amendments under the five-minute rule. Wednesday, November Vote on the measure. FATE OF U. S. SHIPS TO BE DETERMINED 29— _(Continued from First Page.) Congress was adjourned gyith the an- nounced intention of having the mem- bers go home and do some mix- sionary work for this legislation, x- plaining it to the people in their homo districts, few of them did so. Interior States Oppoxe. Members from the coast states are emphatically for the bill, as a rule, and many from the interfor stites are bitterly opposed to it. An example of how some feel is expressel hy Representative Roy O. Woodruff, re- publican, of Michigan. He wus asked if he found his home people more fa- vorable to the legislation and if ha had made any conversions. “Do you want me to get killed?” he countered. “My people dont want subsidy of any sort. The people of the epresentative John Garner of exas, the democratic whip, said that according to what he hearx the auth- ors of the ship subsidy bill will not be able to recognize it when the House gets through with it The fight over the measure in the House will begin Thursday, under the plans of the leaders. Many Amendments Due. While there were indications of a deluge of amendments, opponents said they would not agree on a definite policy of attack until they had oppor- tunity for informal conferences. Meanwhile, republican members of the merchant marine committee, which framed the bill, announced they would go ahead with the fight, be- lieving _enough votes were assured to put it through without important changes. Democratic leaders in the House, counting on almost solid party ol position to the measure, declared th would be joined in their attack by many republicand,_particularly from the middle west. Most interest, aside from claims and counter claims as to the final fate of the bill, centered in amendments which might get through under a broad rule opening it for any changes the House might see fit to make. Some republican leaders express a belief that a proposal to revive the excess profits tax as the means of pro- viding & subsidy for ships would not stand up. They insisted it would be thrown out on a point of order as not germane. Regardless of this view, members eager to get the old law re- enacted declared the question would be put to a tes Would Yield $35.000,000. T'nder the bill as drawn, the sub- sidv would be provided out of a re- volving fund obtained chiefly from a 10 per cent take-off from all revenue {receipts. This, according to estimates, would reach about $35,000,000 or $40.- 000,000 a year. At the time of its re- paul the excess profits tax vielded more than $400.000.000. The prohibition question is expect- ed to enter into the fight, probably in two ways. House “drys” have declar- ed a determination to put through, if possible, an amendment providing that no ship shall share in any fed- eral subsidy if it permits the sale of liquor at sea, regardless of any rul- ing by the Supreme Court on the {pending_sult resulting from the At- torney General’s opinion that the Vol- stead law follows the flag beyond the three-mile limit. Satisfied that the prohibition ques- tion is settled, the mechant marine committee is preparing to bring in an amendment designed to increase the mail payment to passenger ships to offset possible losses through dry regulations. Oppose Rebate Clause. sSome House leaders opposed to the biil's provision announced that a re- publican move would be made to strike out the section under which shippers, whose goods by designa- tion are brought over in Ameican vessels, would receive a 5 per cent incomc tax rebate on the amount of freight payment. An effort also will be made, it was stated, to tack on to the bill an amendment ropealing the Panama canal tolls for American ships. The bill repealing the tolls was passed more than a year ago by the Senate, but it never reached the House for a vote. The epecial rule under which the bill goes to the House will call for a vote on November 29. There will be three full days of general de- bate and three full days for amend- ments. LODGE LEAD CUT. Recount in 287 Massachusetts Towns Gains 689 Votes for Gaston. BOSTON, November 18.—The re- counted senatorial vote in 287 of the 335 cities and towns in the state, includ- ing all th® cities, tonight gave Gaston, democrat, 404,182; Lodge, republican, 405733 The press erturns for the same places totaled Gaston, 402,566; Lodge. 404,806, This shows a net gain of 689 for Gaston, who gained 2,004 and_lost 388 votes, while Lodge gained 2,082 and lost 1,155, The addition of the vote of nineteen towns where there will be no recount brings the totals for 306 cities and towns to: Recount, Gaston, 404,809: Lodge, 407,411, Press returns, Gaston, 402 993 Lodge, 406,484. —_— MARYLAND FRIENDS PLAN DRIVE AT TRACK BETTING Churches to Unite in Effort to Abolish Gambling on Race Horses. Special Dispatch to The St: BALTIMORE, Md., November 18— Plans for an extensive campaign against racehorse gambling in Mary- land were made today at the second day's session of the annual meeting of the Friends Orthodox from Mary- land, District of Columbia, Pennsyl- vania and Virginia, in the Homewood Meeting House. It was declded that every Friends church in the state unite with other congregations in an effort to abolish racetrack gambling. The following officers for the ensu- ing year were elected at a business meeting in the forenoon: John R. Cary, presiding! clerk; Lindley D. Clark of Washington, D, C., recording clerk, and Mrs. A. Viola Hairsberg. reading clerk. e S IR There is no organiz>d opposition to the pending measure in this state.—C. B. Blethen. Spokane Spokesman-Review: No general crystallization of public opin- fon on ship subsidy legislation has taken place in the Pacific northwest. The question is imperfectly under- stood by the majority of voters. In the formation of public sentiment much will depend on the character of the aid offered to our merchant marine and on'the extent of the ex- planatory discussion. If the truth can be driven home that a strong merchant marine is essential to na- tional security and to farmers and other producers to help them to mar- kets across the seas, coupled with convincing evidence that the nation cannot have such a merchant marine without wise supporting legl: the long-standing prejudice a, the word “subsidy” can be cl away. eared IRAIL UNIONS SOUND IN EXTRA SESSION | Con 1 { i ,l ! l CONERESS CAANGES Officials of Sixteen Organiza- tions Discuss Elections and New Prospects. ACTION LIKELY TODAY ference for Progressive Polit- ical Action Executive Com- mittee to Meet. als of sixteen railroad uio clated 2 with the Confere or Progressive Political Actioi§ 4t an extended cxecutive meeting ¢ yesterday discuseed results of th congressional elections, prepared timates of strength which the count on in Congress as a result thereof and gave some consideration to the direction which they may seck 1o give future governmental action The session will be contir, today and will be merged with + i executive committee of the ference organization. whi pare plans for a general or the supporters parts meet of the fro e _§roup hnston, International Association of M- chinists, and chief executive oftic of shopcrafts unions and other ra road organizations. The session wa also opened to Senator lLa Folleit republican, Wisconsin: Basil M. Mar v, former chairman of the \ia Labor Board, and Benjamin ¢, Mars: of the Farmers' National Counci No Definite Conclunions. Mr. Johnston, as acting chairi . said after the meeting that ne nite conclusions had been and that none would be pri when some recommendations be prepared to include a call for the Chicago convention “We are naturally with the election r vinced that the me for control of exist zations i8 the best Mr. Johnston said. appeared to be that not much pect of any legislative actior be held out by the present &e. Congress. considering the congestion 4 much hod of ng party one 1o fo! “The sent it_will face, but that if the trans- portation act, for Jnstance, is 16 be opened up we 1aust be in readine with a program for its amendiner “Some surprise was expreesed 1l the administration and the repu can party appeared determined push forward ship subsidy proposals and other matters which had a sixial influence in turning the ele o against its supporters, but our views were not crystallized in resolution or decisions of any kind. The nie ing is essentially preliminary character.” NEW FISCAL PLAN . EXPEDITES PAVING: Congress to Be Asked to Make Money Available as Bill Passes. n [ Paving of streets in Washingt next year will be greatly expedit: if Congress approves of a plan evol by Engineer Commissioner Kelle The Fhgineer Commissioner, it wu- learned vesterday, proposes to ask the appropriations committees of th- Senate and House to include a pro vision in the next District bill mak ing the money for street improve- ments available when the bill passed and signed by the Presider instead of on July 1, the beginninz of the fiscal yoar. This, it was pointed out at th District building. will enable the e gineer de tment to prepare bid and let contragts early in the year The contractors, in turn, would iw able to get the greater part of th vear's work dong before wintcut weather sets in. Appropriations Kept Down. During the past few years il watchword of economy has Kept dow i appropriations fo street paving and other needed municipal improvementsy Consequently, the Commissioners have § not been adte to do much new sur- facing of highw 3 Should Congress, in preparing the next District bill, heed the plea f« larger allotments for improving tiw highway system of the capita Con oner Keller's fdea of having the m funds made available carly in ti new yvear would prove a distinct ad- vantage. Within a few weeks hcarings w be under way before the House ap propriations committee, which mex & busy Christinas scason for the Coms missioners. —_— GIFT TO UNIVERSITY. Brussels Institution to Benefit by U. S. War Charity. NEW YORK. November 18.—A & of four new buildings for the U versity of Brussels, costing mot le than 14,000,000 francs. was here today when an agreement was signed by representatives of the u versity and of the Kducational Foundation of the American Com mission for Relief in Belgium. Thi: benefaction comes from the residue ¢! America’s charity to Belgium. The gift provides for an adminik tration and library building, & law: and philosophy recreation hall and two dormitories, one for men and one for women. COAL COMPANY SEEKS TO ENJOIN MINE UNION Georges Creek Firm Acts When Men Fail to Report—Intimi- dation Charged. Special Dispatch to The Star. CUMBERLAND, Md., November 1% —The Georges Creek Coal Company, Inc., today filed a bill i the circuit court of Allegheny county for an in- junction to restrain Francis J Drumm, president district No. §. United Mine Workers of America, the Midland and Frostburg locals of the United Mine Workers and seventy- four individuals, from interfering with the affairs of the company in any way or with employes of the company or persons who wish to take employment. The papers werc sent to chief Judge A. Hunter Boyd, who is at Annapolis attending the court of appeals for an order. A number of men signed with the Georges Creek Coal Company to resume work several weeks ago. hmt it is said that less than half actually took cmployment, due to tac of intimidation and that those who did resume work have been haras<ed and threatened. /4