AMERICAN STATE SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 282, 25 August 1919, Page 6

AMERICAN STATE SHIPPING

« PRIVATE OWNERSHIP URGED. Tho United States Shipping Board has recommended privato ownership and operation lo Congress as a fundamental policy for commercial shipping, and urges that tho Government retire from commercial ship-building, ship-owning, and ship-operating activities at tho earliest date which may be convenient and practical. As a plan of action the board suggests that the Government construct no more ships, other than those now in tho programme, except such new vessels as may bo needed to balance the fleet, nnd for the construction of which funds muv be provided, as specified, and that it adopt and rigidly adhere to a definite plan for selling its ships. The board further points out that it will, of course, be impossible to sell the whole fleet at once, ijnd that, therefore, during the period in which the ship 3 are being sold jt is essential that the Government handle tho unsold ships in a manner which will not permit their operation to react unfavourably upon the operation of ships wjiich have been sold and which will definitely tend to stimulate tlioi purchaso of more ships by private operators. Further recommendation's are intended to maintain { the American ownership and character of the merchant shiris. Both the Senate and the House have the suggestions under consideration.